The key duties of the position include:

The Role

The EL 1 Contract Manager is responsible for leading the commercial and contractual management of Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) activities, ensuring contractual obligations, governance requirements and delivery outcomes are achieved in a compliant, effective and auditable manner. The role provides strategic advice on contractual matters, manages contract changes and work packages, and works closely with Defence and industry stakeholders to support informed decision-making and successful program delivery.

The position also oversees contract financial management, reporting and assurance activities, including milestone payments, contract deliverables and governance requirements. Through strong stakeholder engagement, sound commercial judgement and a focus on risk management and compliance, the Contract Manager contributes to the successful delivery of sovereign maritime capability outcomes.

The position is available in either Canberra, ACT or Henderson, WA. A merit pool may be established to fill future similar vacancies at either of the locations.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

The SSA Branch, within the Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment (CNSS) Division is responsible for the implementation and management of the SSA and the enterprise relationship with Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia (ADA). ADA is the Strategic Shipbuilder for Defence in Western Australia.

The SSA was executed late August 2025. The Agreement is a Government priority, underpinning the National Defence Strategy,



it is also a key focus of the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan. The SSA enables a fundamental shift in Defence maritime acquisition and uses a long-term, programmatic framework. The Agreement streamlines procurement processes through pre-agreed terms and conditions, reducing the time between contract award and the cutting of steel to accelerate capability delivery to the Australian Defence Force.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

- Strong knowledge of Commonwealth procurement, contracting frameworks, legislation and policy.
- Experience managing complex contractual arrangements and delivering commercial outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare explicit, high-quality advice, briefs and reports.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build productive relationships across Government and industry.
- Sound judgement, strong analytical skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment.
- A commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant and outcome-focused results.

Eligibility

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers

📌 Contract Manager (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Canberra