Logo for Head of Commercial - Defence and Strategic Projects

Head of Commercial - Defence and Strategic Projects

Downer
Melbourne, VIC
A$250,000-$300,000 p/a + including superannuation
CEO & General Management → General/Business Unit Manager
Full-time
Hybrid

Posted 17 days ago


We currently have an opportunity for a Head of Commercial - Downer Professional Services (DPS) and Strategic Projects. Join our Commercial & Risk team and play a key role in delivering strategic commercial leadership across above the line Defence and major projects. Reporting to the General Manager, Commercial & Risk, you'll help deliver high-quality outcomes that support our essential services.

What You'll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key responsibilities including:

  • Lead commercial oversight and governance for Downer Professional Services line of business and other Defence major projects.
  • Support high pace tendering activities and ensure compliance with Downer Group governance.
  • Navigate commercial delivery issues including KPIs, financial performance, and contract variations.
  • Manage compliance programs including DISP, labour hire licensing, and export control.
  • Drive strategic projects across SI&CS and contribute to Downer Group-wide initiatives.

What You'll Bring

  • Legal or business tertiary qualifications (preferred).
  • Significant post-qualification experience in commercial or legal support.
  • Defence above the line sector experience
  • Understanding or expertise with export control and ITAR will be highly regarded.
  • Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Proven ability to manage teams and governance processes.

More than anything, you'll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Why Downer?

At Downer, we plan, create, and sustain essential public services across Australia and New Zealand. From hospitals to data centres and defence partnerships, we manage critical infrastructure that keeps communities thriving.

What It Means to Belong at Downer

We're proud of our high-performance culture and commitment to diversity, offering:

  • Training and development to support and diversify your career.
  • With 30% of vacancies filled internally you'll find real opportunities to advance your career.
  • Perks@Downer: healthcare discounts, great savings on retail purchases, car purchases and much more.
  • Employee Assistance Program: professional support for you and your family when you need it most.

Downer Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.


About Downer

Maddington, WA, Australia
Engineering
5001-10000 employees

Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Driven by our purpose to enable communities to thrive, we deliver essential infrastructure services that improve the lives of millions of people every day and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Downer is one of Australia and New Zealand's largest employers, with 31,000 people who are united by a high-performance culture, called ‘The Downer Difference’. Our teams operate in sectors that are closely connected to population growth, urbanisation, national security, and decarbonisation – including roads, rail, ports and airports, power, gas, water, telecommunications, health, education and defence.

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