Contract Management Officer

About this role

The Role As the APS 6 KC-30A Contract Management Officer within Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office (HALSPO), you will be responsible in managing complex contracted services supporting the KC-30A platform, contributing to the delivery of critical Air Mobility capability that supports Australia's national interests. Working within a multidisciplinary integrated environment, you will apply your specialist commercial, contract management and stakeholder engagement skills to deliver effective capability outcomes, manage risk and ensure value for money. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will oversee a range of contract management activities across multiple contracts, including contractor performance, contract variations, financial management, compliance monitoring and commercial governance. You will identify opportunities for continuous improvement and work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve strategic and operational outcomes. This role is key and offers the opportunity to work closely with Defence personnel, industry partners and external organisations, building strong professional relationships and providing trusted commercial advice. You will contribute to strategic planning and decision-making while supporting the sustainment of the capability and ongoing future development of the KC-30Aplatform. As the APS 6 KC-30A Contract Management Officer, you will lead a small team, set priorities and foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and professional excellence. We are seeking a motivated professional who is solutions focused, can think critically, communicate effectively and work collaboratively to achieve shared objectives. This is an exciting opportunity to support and influence critical Defence outcomes directly contributing to a capability that delivers Air Mobility effects in diverse and challenging environments, while working in a high performing team at RAAF Base Amberley. This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer. About our Team The KC-30A Logistics Management Unit is a key business unit within the Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office (HALSPO), which is part of the Airlift and Tanker Systems Branch within Aerospace Systems Division of the Defence Delivery Group. HALSPO is responsible for the acquisition and sustainment of critical Air Force capabilities, including the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, C-17A Globemaster and Air Base Operations capabilities. These capabilities form a vital component of Australia's strategic air mobility and air basing support activities ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief through to high end operational missions. The KC-30A Logistics Management Units key function is to lead an integrated team to acquire and sustain the KC-30A capability on behalf of Defence. This includes the management of the TLS Contract with Northrop Grumman Australia (NGA), the Simulator sustainment and training contract with CAE and other supplementary KC-30A contracts. The KC-30A LMU comprises an integrated workforce of Australian Public Service (APS) personnel, Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and Contracted personnel. The team delivers specialist support across a range of functional areas, including Engineering and Technical Support, Training Support, Supply Support, Finance, Contract Management, Governance and Reporting. Working collaboratively with Defence and industry stakeholders, the KC-30A LMU plays a critical role in sustaining and enhancing the KC-30A capability to meet current and future operational requirements. As part of a small team, the APS6 Contract Management Officer would be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely within the team and Team Leader. The position would support the full contract lifecycle, from procurement planning through to contract implementation, while also contributing to financial administration and reporting activities. Our Ideal Candidate We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and highly motivated APS 6 Contract Management Officer who is committed to delivering capability outcomes and driving continuous improvement through innovation and effective contract management practices within the KC-30A Capability. Our ideal candidate is a proactive and solutions focused professional with strong contract management expertise, commercial acumen and the ability to balance strategic thinking with effective contract administration to deliver value for money outcomes. They will possess excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and commercial management skills, enabling the preparation of high-quality briefs, submissions, reports and correspondence, clearly articulating risks, issues and opportunities. They will apply sound commercial judgement to support informed decision-making, negotiate effective outcomes to deliver value for money results, demonstrating a strong attention to detail while effectively managing competing priorities while working within established frameworks and policies to ensure contract compliance and achieve capability outcomes. The successful applicant will be a critical thinker and skilled communicator who can analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement. With a strong focus on collaboration, they will work effectively and confidently within a multidisciplinary team environment, engaging with stakeholders and contributing to shared objectives while building productive relationships across Defence, government and industry. As a trusted and professional representative, they will demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, transparency and accountability. The successful applicant will demonstrate: • Strong contract management and administration skills within complex contractual environments. • Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefings, reports, submissions and correspondence for senior stakeholders. • Excellent stakeholder engagement, relationship management and negotiation abilities. • The ability to identify, analyse and communicate risks, issues and opportunities and contribute to practical solutions. • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment. • Attention to detail in financial management, contract compliance, reporting and record keeping. • A willingness to challenge traditional ways of doing business and drive continuous improvement and innovation. • A commitment to achieving value for money outcomes while ensuring contract compliance.