Commercial Manager (Downstream)

About the role

Austal Defence Australia (ADA) is looking for a Commercial Manager (Downstream) on a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will manage contractual and commercial risks between customer contracts and subcontract agreements, making sure obligations, liabilities and risks are flowed down and mitigated. The role leads end-to-end subcontract negotiations and contract execution in line with ADA's governance processes, policies and risk frameworks.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, negotiation and execution of subcontract agreements aligned with the commercial, legal, supply chain, finance, cost and operational requirements of the head contract.
• Develop subcontracting strategies that flow down customer obligations, manage contractual gap risk and protect ADA's commercial interests.
• Identify, assess and manage contractual gap risks and track gaps, mitigation actions, approvals and residual risks throughout the subcontract lifecycle.
• Ensure commitments made by subordinate personnel are accurate and follow established approval and execution authorities.
• Develop risk allocation strategies and commercial positions that protect ADA's interests while keeping subcontractor relationships viable.
• Project manage subcontract procurement and negotiation from supplier down selection through to execution, coordinating Commercial, Legal, Procurement, Operations, Estimation, Finance and Project teams.
• Prepare commercial risk assessments, negotiation strategies, approval papers and recommendations for senior management, and advise project teams on contractual obligations, risk exposure, change management and supplier engagement.
• Improve subcontracting, contract governance and risk management processes, templates and frameworks, and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business, Law, Engineering, Procurement & Supply Chain, Finance or Quantity Surveying.
• 10+ years' experience in commercial, contracts, procurement or subcontract management roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex subcontract negotiations and contractual risk on large-scale projects or programmes.
• Experience leading end-to-end subcontract negotiations and managing contractual gap risk.
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance.

Required skills

• Advanced commercial negotiation and influencing skills.
• Contract drafting, interpretation and administration.
• Stakeholder management across legal, procurement, project delivery, estimation, finance and executive teams.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, and project management skills to handle multiple concurrent negotiations.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Career advancement opportunities.