The Role The EL 1 Contract Manager is accountable for leading complex contract management activities that support Regional Maintenance Centre East (RMC-E) and Navy sustainment outcomes. The role provides leadership across contract administration, supplier performance, commercial governance, procurement activities, risk management and stakeholder engagement while ensuring compliance with Commonwealth and Defence procurement frameworks.

The position is a critical contract management function supporting maintenance delivery and Commonwealth oversight of Regional Maintenance Provider contracts. Working within an integrated workforce, the successful candidate will manage significant and complex commercial arrangements, provide strategic advice to senior leaders, lead contract governance activities, and maintain productive relationships with industry, Navy and Defence stakeholders. The current vacancy is located at Garden Island, NSW.

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





Regional Maintenance Centre East is one of the largest maintenance delivery organisations within the Maritime Sustainment Division. RMC-E is responsible for delivering maintenance and sustainment outcomes for Navy platforms through close collaboration with industry, Regional Maintenance Providers, engineering authorities, Commonwealth representatives and Navy stakeholders.

Maintenance Branch provides an integrated and consistent approach to maintenance delivery while supporting the development of an Enduring Sovereign Sustainment Capability. The Contract Manager operates within the RMC-East commercial function and plays a critical role in ensuring contract performance, commercial assurance and value-for-money outcomes are achieved.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a highly motivated leader with experience in procurement, contract management, commercial governance or related disciplines. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities within a complex workplace.

Experience managing high-value or high-risk contracts, interpreting commercial information, leading contract negotiations and providing strategic advice is highly desirable. Experience working within large complex organisations, Commonwealth procurement environments or maritime sustainment organisations will be well regarded.

Security Clearance:

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

📌 Contract Manager - RMC East (RMP) (Garden Island)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Garden Island