The Role

As the APS 5 Contracting Officer, you will be part of a team consisting of APS, ADF and contracted workforce. You will assist in providing contracting and procurement advice; as well as supporting procurement activities including approaches to market, evaluations, negotiations and supporting Commonwealth Representatives in managing contract related issues and risks.

You will also contribute to strategic planning, program and project management within the Army Uncrewed Aerial Systems Acquisition Project Office (AUAS APO). You will have excellent written and communication skills and be comfortable networking with a variety of stakeholders - including industry representatives. You will have initiative and a focus on continuous improvement.

This position requires the ability to work in a dynamic environment.

Some of the duties you might perform as a Contracting Officer include:

• Providing advice on procurement planning, tendering and contract management, ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedure;
• Supporting development and issuing tender documentation, requests for quotation and contract change proposals;
• Participating in tender evaluations and contract negotiations between Defence and industry and implement contract changes;
• Monitoring and management of contract administration, performance and risks against the contracts and contribute to implementing appropriate action;
• Assisting with conducting contract governance, performance reviews and reporting activities; and
• Assisting with development of internal procurement and contract management related process documentation and guidelines.

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 Agreement (DEA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

The Cargo Helicopter and Uncrewed Surveillance Program Office (CHUSPO) delivers acquisition and through-life support for the CH-47F Chinook and Army Aviation System Branch supported fleets of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).

The Program Office is made up of the Cargo Helicopter Management Unit (CHMU), the Uncrewed Aerial Systems Management Unit (UASMU), the Army Uncrewed Aerial Systems Acquisition Project Office (AUAS APO) and the Business Management Unit (BMU).CHUSPO is based in Brisbane with small detachments in Oakey, Townsville and Canberra, and a Technical Liaison Officer in the USA.

CHUSPO supports career development through a comprehensive professional development program, encouraging employees to build both leadership and technical skills, and harnesses continuous improvement ideas and innovations.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking highly motivated and collaborative individuals to join our team, and contribute to our strategic goals.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Well-developed communication, interpersonal and organisational skills with the ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with key stakeholders to achieve shared objectives;
• Ability to provide advice and support on procurement processes, policies and procedures and contracting matters including contract formation, contract management activities whilst ensuring compliance with legislation, policies and procedures;
• Ability to work autonomously, and as part of a team;
• Support the implementation of mitigations strategies for the risks associated with procurement and contracting activities, contract performance and compliance with legislative and policy frameworks; and
• Contribute towards ongoing self - improvement and professional development.

AUAS APO will consider flexible remote work arrangements for the ideal candidate.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 6 April, 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference CASG/00787/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=4A23A861-7392-D587-7B65-E3A67A1EDD03.