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 Commercial Manager in ACT to work on projects within one of our most dynamic environments.
What You’ll Do
The Commercial Manager plays a key role in providing commercial and procurement support across Defence sustainment programs. This role contributes to contract management , stakeholder engagement, and commercial governance to support effective program delivery and value for money outcomes.
This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:
Provide commercial advice and support across the SHFC Programs , including contract negotiations, contract interpretations , and review of deliverables.
support the administration and management of contract suites, ensuring compliance with Defence, Procurement framework and policies
contribute to the transition of the Defence High Frequency communication Systems (DHFCS) to EDHFCS, Providing commercial input and risk awareness.
Lead and manage aspects of the Australian industry Capability (AIC) Plan implement , ensuring alignment to contract obligations.
Engage with Stakeholder across CASG, including material Procurement Branch ( MPB) , to resolve progress commercial matters.
Support Procurement activities and ensure compliance with commonwealth Procurement Rules and Defence Policies.
Provide Commercial input into sustainment activates, including risk identification, deliverables review, and ongoing program support.
What You’ll Bring
This role requires a well-rounded data professional with strong capabilities across analytics, data science, machine learning, and business intelligence. The focus is on translating complex data into actionable insights, supporting decision-making, and delivering scalable data solutions. Success in the role depends on strong technical capability combined with clear communication and stakeholder engagement.
Commercial & Contracting: Experience supporting contract management activities, including negotiation, advice, and deliverable review.
Procurement & Compliance: Understanding of Defence Procurement process , including commonwealth Procurement rules and ASDEFCON frameworks/
Stakeholder engagement: Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, CASG stakeholders and industry partners.
Program support: Experience supporting sustainment or Capability delivery environments, including risk and compliance activities.
Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA 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
- Experience supporting contract management activities including negotiation, advice, and deliverable review.
- Understanding of Defence procurement processes including Commonwealth Procurement Rules and ASDEFCON frameworks.
- Experience supporting sustainment or capability delivery environments, including risk identification and compliance activities.
- Ability to engage and collaborate with CASG stakeholders, internal teams, and industry partners.
- Current and maintained AGSVA security clearance.
- Compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in some instances.
- Strong capabilities across analytics, data science, machine learning, and business intelligence.
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.
