The Role

Research Contracts and Agreements Team (RCAT) delivers the commercial and contracting function in Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). It supports Defence’s Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) objectives t by implementing contracts and agreements with high level clients including Australian universities, industry partners and other research agencies.

The EL 1 Contracting Manager is accountable under broad direction, for providing strategic contractual and procurement advice to all areas of the Defence organisation. Additionally, you will be responsible for negotiating and drafting complex research agreements with oversight and support by the RCAT Director and other Assistant Directors.

This role will require to have in-depth knowledge of the procurement and contracting function and responsible for the development, implementation, compliance and review of policies and procedures relevant to research procurement in the context of Defence.

The EL 1 Contracting Manager will be responsible for actively managing key stakeholder relationships and be able to meet relevant stakeholders’ expectations and concerns to develop and communicate best practice procurement and contract management to achieve outcomes. The role is suited to highly organised, pro-active and personable individuals who enjoy working with a high degree of responsibility and client focus mindset.

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

Within the Science Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Division in DSTG, the Research Contracts and Agreements Team (RCAT) supports Defence IS&T objectives through the provision of high-level contracting and commercial support to draft, negotiate and implement Research contracts and agreements. Working with Defence and Commonwealth procurement policies and procedures, the team comprised of highly experienced commercial and procurement specialists with considerable experiences in both traditional Defence procurement and contracting domains as well as research specific enterprises.

The team provides high-level support to the entire Australian Defence Organisation to deliver efficient and effective procurement and contracting support. RCAT works closely with specialist area within Defence including security, legal, commercialisation and partnering) to ensure our procurement and contracting advice is robust and complies with Defence and Commonwealth policies and rules as applicable to contracting for IS&T.

The team comprises high-quality and high-performing personnel with diverse backgrounds and experience who embody Defence and Australian Public Service values and work every day with a commercial and procurement mindset. We offer flexible working arrangements and a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities.

Within the Science Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Division in DSTG, the Research Contracts and Agreements Team (RCAT) supports Defence IS&T objectives through the provision of high-level contracting and commercial support to draft, negotiate and implement Research contracts and agreements.

Working with Defence and Commonwealth procurement policies and procedures, the team comprised of highly experienced commercial and procurement specialists with considerable experiences in both traditional Defence procurement and contracting domains as well as research specific enterprises. The team provides high-level support to the entire Australian Defence Organisation to deliver efficient and effective procurement and contracting support.

RCAT works closely with specialist area within Defence including security, legal, commercialisation and partnering) to ensure our procurement and contracting advice is robust and complies with Defence and Commonwealth policies and rules. This is a unique opportunity to work in a challenging role that contributes to achieving Defence objectives and priorities.

The team comprises high-quality and high-performing personnel with diverse backgrounds and experience who embody Defence and Australian Public Service values and work every day with a commercial and procurement mindset. We offer a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking to recruit two capable and skilled EL 1 commercial, contracting and procurement practitioners who can drive innovative commercial outcome for our clients across DSTG to support a wide range of research and development projects.

Desirable experience and skills for the successful execution of this role include:

• Able to provide high level procurement and contracting advice;
• Able to negotiate and draft complex and sensitive research contract with multiple parties;
• Have commercial experiences (not necessarily in the Defence environment);
• Able to understand the value of partnerships, work effectively in a collaborative team environment and achieve shared objectives;
• Trustworthy, transparent and possesses the highest level of integrity;
• Confident when negotiating with external suppliers and engaging with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and level of seniority;
• Passionate about ongoing self-improvement and professional development.

Desirable attributes include:

• Candidates with Certificate IV or above in procurement and contracting OR legal background and experiences are highly desirable.
• If you have commercial and procurement experiences, enjoy contract drafting and negotiation and can work effectively with different stakeholders, then this is the job for you!

Note: Preference will be given to candidates located in Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Application Closing Date: Monday 26 May 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DSTG/03874/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=C51A3FCB-7499-2A7F-2945-E3D5822EE4EE