Contract Management Officer – Department of Defence
📌 Vacancy Fact Sheet
- Reference Number: VN-0770815
- Agency: Department of Defence
- Job Title: Contract Management Officer
- Position Number: NSSG/03897/26
- Classification: APS Level 5
- Closing Date: Thursday 23 July 2026
- Job Type: Full-Time, Ongoing
- Location: Brisbane QLD, Henderson WA, Sydney NSW
- Future Merit Locations: Brisbane, Henderson, Sydney
- Salary: $89,841 – $96,829
- Office Arrangement: On Site (Defence is committed to supporting workplace)
About Department of Defence
Maritime Systems Division (MSD) operates within the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group
delivering in-service support to Navy and Army along with delivering new capability to
Government. MSD is embarking on transformational change to establish the Maritime Sustainment
Model and ensure the organisation is able to respond to emerging demands and strategic
priorities.
We promote an inclusive culture that echoes Defence values – service, courage, respect, integrity
and excellence; and are committed to ensuring our people feel appreciated, participate fully, and
have access to tailored professionalised pathways. We are flexible and agile in our approach to
work, encourage our staff to have a healthy work life balance, and offer access to training and
development opportunities and mentoring and coaching services.
Defence is committed to recruiting the right people, in the right jobs, at the right time – whether it is
creating, acquiring or delivering Defence capability. Our greatest asset is our people.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking high performing candidates who thrive on new challenges and enjoy working in a
fast-paced, complex environment.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities:
Procurement and Contract Knowledge – Demonstrated understanding of procurement
processes, contract formation, administration, and lifecycle management, including
compliance with legislation, policies, and governance requirements.
Strong Analytical and Documentation Skills – Ability to prepare, review, and maintain
accurate contract documentation, reports, risk assessments, variations, and performance
reviews, with close attention to detail.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication – Effective written and verbal
communication skills to liaise with internal clients, suppliers, legal advisers, and subject
matter experts, and to respond confidently to complex enquiries.
Risk and Performance Management Capability – Capacity to identify contract and supplier
risks, assess performance against contractual obligations, and recommend practical
mitigation strategies and improvements.
Teamwork and Continuous Improvement Mindset – Proven ability to work collaboratively,
build productive working relationships, seek and act on feedback, and contribute positively to
team outcomes and ongoing process improvement.
Your application should address the above competencies. If you bring these strengths and
possess a strong personal drive to support and enhance Australia’s maritime capability, we
welcome your application.
Duties
- The Role
- We are seeking highly motivated APS5 Contract Management Officers (CMO) to support effective
- procurement and contract management outcomes. Contract Management Officers (CMOs) work
- within System Program Offices or within the Procurement and Contracting Business Unit
- undertaking commercial and contract management work in support of Defence contract outcomes.
- The APS5 CMO works under limited direction to deliver complex contract management outcomes
- within an integrated workforce. The CMO requires sound judgement to interpret and apply
- legislation, policy and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant frameworks and Defence
- requirements. The APS5 CMO manages their own workflow and makes independent decisions to
- achieve outcomes.
- Key responsibilities include monitoring contractor performance, managing contract risks,
- assessing compliance, and recommending mitigation and improvement strategies. Overall, the
- role requires sound judgement, professional communication, and the ability to provide informed
- advice on complex procurement and contract management matters to achieve effective and
- compliant outcomes.
- The APS5 CMO will have a considerable level of stakeholder engagement, supporting work unit
- and Defence outcomes, while maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement and
- professional development.
- Please note that the intent of this recruitment is to create a pool of suitable candidates that can be
- utilised to fill vacancies as they arise for the duration of the merit pool.
Eligibility / Notes
- Security Clearance
- Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.
How to Apply
Position Contact Ian Martin, 02 8440 4515
Agency Recruitment Site https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=131967C1-69D7-1D58-08BA-ED1C61A2F
Applicants to vacancies notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette should be aware:
that the names of successful applicants will also be notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette
applicants found suitable may be offered similar employment opportunities by other Australian Public Service agencies
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