The Role

The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) is seeking is highly motivated and experienced candidates with a demonstrated understanding of and/or experience in procurement and subsequent contracting management. Utilising in-depth knowledge of legislative frameworks and Defence’s policy requirements, the EL 1 Assistant Director will take responsibility for delivering procurement and contract management outcomes. The procurement activities range from complex, highly sensitive and/or high risk procurement projects to less complex, but nonetheless critical procurements that provide enabling services to the ASCA enterprise or ASCA Missions and Innovation Incubation Challenges.

The EL 1 Assistant Director will:

• Plan, lead and manage a range of procurement activities, including tendering and contract formation and contract management activities, ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures;
• Engage in complex to very complex problem solving and issues management, to deliver ASCA commercial outcomes at speed;
• Deliver procurement-related documentation including plans and strategies, risk assessments, approaches to market, approval submissions contracts and contract changes, schedules, correspondence, reports, and other contract management documentation;
• Apply legal principles, legislative and policy compliance obligations and critical commercial risk and performance requirements, to identify and manage risks associated with contract formation and management.

The EL 1 Assistant Director may focus on complex procurement activities resulting in the award of new contracts, and/or the application of contract management best-practice to ensure the successful delivery of ASCA projects and support arrangements.

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

ASCA accelerates the translation of asymmetric technologies into defence capability to take Defence further, faster. Working in close collaboration with defence industry, including Australian primes, small and medium sized businesses and research organisations, ASCA’s priorities are driven by the National Defence Strategy, the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy and AUKUS Pillar II – Advanced Capabilities priorities.

Since launching on 1 July 2023, ASCA is playing part in the most significant reshaping of defence innovation in decades, designed to deliver vital capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Priorities are delivered through three programs - Missions, Innovation Incubation, and Emerging Disruptive Technologies (EDT). Further information can be found at www.asca.gov.au.

The ASCA Capability Transition Branch (CTB) Acquisition and Commercial (A&C) Directorate is the centre of commercial, contracting and procurement expertise in ASCA.

We provide dedicated procurement support for ASCA's Missions and Innovation Incubation challenges, designing and leading complex procurement and contract management activities, as well as procuring enterprise requirements including support and services contracts. We engage and direct the work of probity advisers, price and cost analysts, and legal advisers. We work closely with Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group’s Commercial Division to develop innovative commercial solutions and deliver contracts at speed.

ASCA is a unique and dynamic Defence organisation that offers rewarding learning opportunities to its workforce. You will be exposed to the breadth of ASCA’s diverse programs that will quickly broaden your expertise. You will have the chance to work on complex and challenging procurements and become an essential member of outcome-focused teams. You will need to rapidly acquire knowledge, adapt and overcome obstacles to achieve commercial outcomes.

Our Ideal Candidate

ASCA is seeking skilled, experienced and dedicated commercial, contracting and procurement professionals who enjoy supporting challenging and highly complex commercial activities, and who possess:

• Deep knowledge of, and experience applying, the Defence Commercial Frameworks and related Commonwealth and Defence policies;
• Problem-solving skills to interpret, recommend and provide advice on complex commercial issues ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies and procedures;
• An ability to understand and apply legal principles, legislative and mandatory policy compliance obligations and critical commercial risk and performance requirements;
• Effective communication, both written and verbal, to deliver procurement related documentation including correspondence, reports, plans, strategies, performance reviews, approaches to market, contracts and contract change proposals, and other commercial documentation;
• Flexibility and adaptability, and a willingness to lead change initiatives and challenge traditional ways of doing business;
• Trustworthiness and integrity at the highest level;
• An ability to engage and negotiate with diverse stakeholders to shape and respond to strategic direction, including advising senior management on risks associated with procurement and contracting activities;
• An ability to manage team workloads and assignments, balancing competing priorities, stakeholder expectations and team wellbeing;
• Mentoring, development and coaching skills to grow and lead teams, managing self-improvement and professional development as well as the professional development of your staff.

ASCA is seeking candidate/s who thrive in a high tempo and dynamic environment. Within ASCA, staff are encouraged and empowered to take calculated risks, challenge the status quo whilst acting with integrity. To succeed in these role/s, you must be an adaptable and resilient individual, show initiative and be a team player who contributes to a respectful workplace.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 3 August 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ADFHQ/05954/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=396B2EBB-9D79-7291-6B20-E405EBF33800