Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia’s future.
Downer Professional Services comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.
We currently have an opportunity for a Commercial Contract Manager in Canberra to work on Land projects.
What You’ll Do
This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:
Develop and maintain the LC4 Program Integration Partner Contract Management Plan, ensuring it supports day‑to‑day contract operations once the Deed and Official Orders are in place.
Establish and manage contract management systems, tools and processes to track communications, performance, financial status, variations, IP, claims and other critical contract information.
Work proactively with the LAND 4140 team to anticipate operational needs, identify improvements and drive efficiencies across contract and branch management practices.
Engage effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, ensuring strong Commonwealth–contractor relationships and alignment to capability outcomes.
Support broader project objectives, undertaking additional duties as required and applying Defence‑relevant commercial expertise to ensure obligations are met and capability delivery is achieved.
What You’ll Bring
Strong contract management expertise, including experience coordinating vendor/contractor activities, managing complex commercial arrangements and developing Contract Management Plans for large programs.
Relevant qualifications and domain knowledge, with a solid understanding of Australian and international standards, Defence regulations, the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) and ASDEFCON‑based contracting.
High‑level communication and stakeholder engagement skills, able to influence customers, suppliers and partners, present complex information clearly and facilitate collaboration across diverse groups.
Ability to work autonomously and deliver complex professional work, including planning, scheduling, monitoring tasks, resolving complex issues and making decisions that shape project outcomes.
Desirable Defence‑aligned capabilities, such as previous Defence experience, understanding of export control requirements and tertiary qualifications in commerce, business or law.
Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.
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 Professional Services
At Downer Professional Services, we’re not just a workplace - we’re a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country’s only sovereign prime, we’re committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia’s interests.
What is means to belong at Downer Professional Services
Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.
You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.
We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.
We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.
As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.
If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.
Skills Required
- Strong contract management expertise including coordinating vendors, managing complex commercial arrangements and developing Contract Management Plans
- Knowledge of Australian and international standards, Defence regulations, Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) and ASDEFCON-based contracting
- High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills with ability to influence customers, suppliers and partners
- Ability to work autonomously delivering complex professional work including planning, scheduling, monitoring and resolving complex issues
- Current ability to hold and maintain Commonwealth security clearance
- Experience with export control requirements and ITAR compliance
- Previous Defence experience
- Tertiary qualifications in commerce, business or law
What We Do
Downer Group is a leading provider of integrated infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand, operating in sectors such as transport, utilities, facilities, and defense.
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