The Team

The Enterprise Transformation Group, made up of the Chief Information Officer Division and the Enterprise Strategy and Transformation Division, has been established to drive the AEC’s transformation agenda, and to deliver the Election Systems Modernisation Program (Indigo Program) on behalf of the Agency.

The Enterprise Strategy and Transformation Division includes the Indigo Program Management Office Branch, the Indigo Product and Design Branch, and the Enterprise Transformation Branch, all of which have a shared objective of delivering effective Program Governance for the Program, and for the AEC more broadly.

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Vendor Management Office (VMO) sits within the Indigo Program Management Office Branch and is responsible for the procurement and ongoing contract management of Information Technology (IT) resources for the AEC. The VMO works with vendors and business to ensure that contractual arrangements are delivered in line with procurement policy.

The VMO provides the Indigo Program and the wider AEC business areas of IT, professional, coordinated and collaborative advice to facilitate the following services:

• Procurement and Sourcing
• Contract Management
• Contract Administration

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in major procurement activities for the Indigo Program and IT delivery and ongoing strategic procurement activity that underpins the AEC’s enduring electoral event delivery purpose.

The Opportunity

The Contract Manager supports the Assistant Director and the Director, in managing matters relating to the procurement and contract management of IT contracts, ensuring governance and quality management processes are implemented within tight timeframes. In this role, you will utilise your expertise and negotiation skills to undertake complex and/or sensitive procurement work, under broad direction, utilising your expertise across all areas of procurement and contract management, including liaising with both internal and external stakeholders. You will also have a focus on strategic planning, project management, and policy and process development for the VMO.

The Procurement and Contracts Manager provides expert advice, guidance and assistance of a moderately complex to complex nature, on all aspects of procurement to ensure compliance with the Commonwealth Resource Management Framework, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth) and associated policies and rules (the Framework). Additionally, it requires providing accurate and specialised advice on all contract management activities, evaluating contract risk management, and implementing risk mitigation strategies. Monitoring contract performance, milestones, and deliverables to ensure adherence to contractual obligations and Service Level Agreements (SLA) is a critical aspect of the role.

The position also involves preparing written materials such as business cases, event plans, briefs, and reports for the Executive Leadership Team. Managing and collaborating with stakeholders, including project managers, procurement officers, and legal advisors, is essential for identifying and addressing contract, probity, and conflict-of-interest-related issues. Furthermore, the role focuses on identifying opportunities and facilitating innovation initiatives to improve processes and implement best practices in contract management for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. Supervising, leading, motivating, and empowering staff while fostering their capabilities and encouraging career development is also a fundamental responsibility.

To excel you’ll have:

• Demonstrated experience in end-to-end procurement processes, including sourcing, tendering, supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and compliance, while achieving results within legislative and budget parameters.
• Demonstrated understanding of legislative, regulatory, and policy frameworks governing procurement and contract management including the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) and PGPA legislation.
• Proven ability to develop, review and manage contracts to ensure compliance, mitigate risks and maximise value for money.
• Ability to make sound decisions under limited supervision in a fast-paced environment, with competing priorities to ensure quality outputs for the work area are met.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, influence decision-making, and build and maintain productive relationships.

Desirable

• Relevant qualifications and / or industry certification. For example, Diploma of Government and/or Certificate IV in Government (Procurement and Contracting) or equivalent.

Eligibility

• AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
• Any person who is, and seen to be active in political affairs, and intends to publicly carry on this activity, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain the security clearance required for this role.

Contact Person: Jade Hoad, [email protected]

Due Date: Sunday 1 June 2025, 11:59PM AEST