The key duties of the position include:

The Role

The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is an historic and transformative endeavour for Australia. The whole-of-nation effort to safely and securely deliver the cutting edge nuclear-powered submarine program will transform Australia’s economic and national security landscape for decades to come.

The Commercial Branch plays a critical role in supporting ASA’s commercial, procurement and contracting operations across the AUKUS nuclear powered submarine program. As an EL 1 Contracting Manager, you will provide leadership, oversight and assurance across procurement planning, tendering, contract formation and contract management activities. You will manage a small team, lead high complexity commercial tasks, and provide strategic advice to senior leaders to ensure commercially sound, defensible and compliant outcomes.

ASA roles cover a diverse range of workplace environment requirements. Candidates should consider these requirements when assessing their suitability for the role. For more information, please contact the nominated contact officer.

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

About our Team

The Commercial Branch delivers end-to-end procurement, contracting and commercial support across the Australian Submarine Agency, enabling the successful delivery of Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program.

The team provides expert advice and support across procurement planning, market approaches, contract establishment, contract management, commercial risk management and procurement governance. Working in a complex and evolving environment, we partner with stakeholders across the Agency to deliver compliant, value-for-money and strategically aligned procurement outcomes.

As an EL 1 Contracting Manager,



you will join a professional and collaborative team that values innovation, integrity and continuous improvement. You will have opportunities to lead complex work, contribute to capability development and influence commercial outcomes that directly support the delivery of a nationally significant program.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organisation seeking employees who are agile, innovative and energised by high-paced work. We are seeking highly motivated and collaborative minded people who will have the opportunity to contribute to a once in a lifetime program.

Our ideal candidates will bring the following attributes and skills to the role:

- Experience leading complex materiel procurements, including planning Commercial arrangements and developing commercial strategies, drafting approaches to market, leading commercial evaluations and negotiations with suppliers, up to contract execution.
- Experience in leading commercial support and advice to contract management activities, including reviewing contract change proposals, review of commercial deliverables, driving performance outcomes under contracts and providing advice on effectively remediating or addressing underperformance.
- Demonstrated experience delivering strategic and practical commercial advice taking into account relevant legislation, procurement policies and best practice.
- Robust analytical skills, attention to detail and sound judgement;
- Excellent written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills;
- The ability to think strategically in a sensitive and fast-paced environment;
- An outcome-focused mindset, with an ability to apply innovative and flexible approaches to achieving results;
- An ability to build and sustain effective relationships,



and work collaboratively and independently as required with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders;
- Drive to support commercial professionalisation initiatives, including training team members and contributing towards upskilling across the Branch and Agency.
- Adaptability, resilience and flexibility in the face of changing and competing priorities; and
- Has a sound understanding of the Commonwealth Procurement Framework.

Eligibility

Security Clearance:

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

Getting to know the Australian Submarine Agency

The Australian Submarine Agency was established on 1 July 2023 and is responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program. Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS partnership will be critical to ensuring our Defence Force has the capabilities needed to keep Australians safe. The Australian Submarine Agency operates under the Defence portfolio and maintains strong linkages with the Department of Defence. Our workforce comprises a mixture of Australian Public Servants, Australian Defence Force members and contractors. At the Australian Submarine Agency, you will enjoy experiences and opportunities that, as an APS employee, you simply would not get in any other organisation. You are able to undertake interesting, challenging and unique work. This ranges from intelligence and strategic policy right through to human resources, communications, infrastructure and engineering, and information technology. As part of the Australian Submarine Agency you will be working at the cutting edge of capability delivery, supported by professionalisation pathways so you can continue to develop, along with unique and varied career opportunities. Our people are capable, committed and diverse. We support an inclusive culture that emphasises respect and collaboration and prioritises safety and security. Our greatest asset is our people. We offer flexible working arrangements and a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities.

📌 Contracting Manager (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Submarine Agency
📍 Canberra