The Role

The Collaborative and Autonomous Systems Project Office (CASPO) is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager with prior financial management experience to lead the commercial function within the project office.

In this role, you will be accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex to very complex strategic procurement and contracting work within an integrated workforce. As the Commercial Manager, you will lead a small team to deliver successful outcomes while mitigating risk.

You will provide expert advice and guidance on procurement, contracting and probity while maintaining effective communication with stakeholders at all levels and will provide financial management advice in relation to CASPO contract management as required.

Key duties include (but are not limited to)

• Being accountable for providing advice and support in relation to procurement planning, tendering, contract formation and associated commercial documentation.
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders including CASPO project teams to develop and lead strategies to address complex to very complex contracting issues.
• Demonstrating and applying legal and/or commercial risk principles and provide decision support resources to CASPO leadership as required.
• Leading contract management activities including those related to performance management frameworks including varying contract pricing models.
• Provide leadership in relation to implementing and managing FMS/co-operative program arrangements as required by the CASPO futures project team and/or in relation to ture CASPO international engagement.
• Being accountable for managing and leading a team, including providing clear and consistent communication, setting clear performance and behavioural standards, managing performance, delegating responsibility and guiding and developing people.

About our Team

The Commercial Manager role sits within the Collaborative and Autonomous Systems Project Office Executive team. This is a dynamic team responsible for providing leadership to the Project Office to achieve delivery of CASPO’s key objectives.

Your primary focus will be on the commercial function, but you will also work closely with colleagues who specialise in project management, engineering, test & operations and corporate operations. We take a holistic approach to our work, supporting each other to deliver outcomes and actively sharing knowledge to build team capability. As member of this team, you will be exposed to commercial activities related to cutting edge developmental technology.

You will gain experience associated with new Collaborative Combat Aircraft capabilities and you will be at the forefront of integrating these technologies into the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is able to work under pressure to tight deadlines, has prior experience working in the Defence project environment and possesses a strong commercial and financial background in government procurement and contracting. Key attributes include excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, attention to detail, people management skills, strategic thinking and problem solving, and importantly, the ability to manage complex procurement, contracting and probity issues.

An ability to draft, review, and administering contracts, mitigate risk and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks is essential. A sound understanding of public sector procurement and financial processes is highly desirable. Prior experience as a commercial manager and a relevant tertiary qualification or practical experience, such as in law, business, or procurement, and experience in Defence would be highly advantageous.

Application Closing Date: Monday 30 June 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference CASG/04927/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=C6AB8522-9DA7-C872-8841-E3EDB455415B