Contract Management Officer

The Role

The Aviation Support Systems Program Office (AvSSPO) is seeking a motivated APS 6 Contract Management Officer to join the newly established Program Transformation Team (PTT). The PTT was formed to identify and coordinate initiatives that enhance sustainment contract performance, strengthen governance and assurance frameworks, and drive improvements across AvSSPO. 

With a strategic focus on streamlining contracting and procurement processes and procedures, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and support the transformation of current SPO practices.

Within the Contract Management function, an APS 6 Contract Management Officer is accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex to very complex procurement and contract management work within an integrated workforce. They will require an in-depth knowledge of and compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements.

As the APS 6 Contract Management Officer within the PTT, you will be responsible for providing input into contract re-baselining, contract negotiation activities, supporting contract managers, looking at streamlining opportunities, and identify any improvement opportunities to ensure contract management is carried out consistently and effectively throughout the SPO.  

Key requirements of this position:

• Provide support on complex procurement and contract activities that support Defence capability.
• Assist in the development, implementation, review and streamlining of internal contract management policies and procedures, such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process flows.
• Provide procurement policy advice to SPO personnel.
• Identify contracting risks and contract change requirements and develop mitigation strategies in accordance with Defence policy and contractual frameworks.
• Support the development of contract management activities, which may include, procurement planning, tendering and contract formation, ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures.
• Proactively engage with stakeholders to address complex contract management issues, taking initiative to identify alternate solutions.
• Build and manage key stakeholder relationships by identifying expectations, communicating effectively, and implementing practices to support successful delivery.
• Work closely with SPO staff including Military personnel, APS personnel, Defence Industry and SPO Executive team.
• Facilitate workshops, discussions and stakeholder engagement activities to socialise change initiatives and drive adoption of improved processes and procedures.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance workforce effectiveness, team performance and contracting/commercial outcomes.

About our Team

Aviation Support Systems Program Office (AvSSPO) sits within Joint Aviation Systems Division (JASD), within Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), which forms part of the newly established Defence Delivery Group (DDG). 

AvSSPO is responsible for managing and delivering a broad range of aviation sustainment capabilities and support services that enable safe and effective Australian Defence Force (ADF) aviation operations. Through products such as CAF26 and CAF39, AvSSPO oversees the sustainment of aviation ground support equipment, aerospace support and test equipment, flight recording and locating equipment, and specialist aviation services, while also managing procurement, budgets, and commercial agreements with key industry partners.

Its responsibilities span supporting aircraft maintenance and airfield operations, flight safety and data analysis, heritage aircraft sustainment, Air Force Cadet flying and gliding programs, STEM training initiatives, and other aviation training activities. By working closely with industry partners, AvSSPO ensures the continued availability, safety, and operational effectiveness of critical aviation capabilities across Defence.

AvSSPO supports career development through a comprehensive professional development program, encouraging employees to build both leadership and technical skills and harnesses continuous improvement ideas and innovations. The position offers an attractive remuneration package, including generous employer superannuation contributions, leave benefits and flexible working arrangements.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated, enthusiastic, professional who thrives in a complex and dynamic environment. You will be a strategic thinker with procurement and contract management experience, coupled with the ability to show initiative, identify opportunities for improvement and drive positive outcomes.  

We are seeking an engaging individual who can build trusted relationships across Defence and Industry, influence change, and contribute to continuous improvement within the workplace. Enjoys working in a complex, fast-paced environment as part of a diverse team, comprising of Australian Defence Force personnel, Australian Public Service personnel and Industry Partners, and is comfortable engaging with all areas of the workforce.

The successful applicant will ideally demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

• Experience in contract management and procurement in a complex environment, would be highly regarded.
• A willingness to challenge traditional ways of doing business and drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and demonstrated ability in networking and relationship-building skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering teamwork, positive workplace culture and inclusive ways of working. 
• Highly developed problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to interpret and work within relevant legislative and policy frameworks.
• Experience in stakeholder management and relationship building.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences and effectively socialise change initiatives. 
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on quality outcomes.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Baseline Vetting” level.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers