Assistant Director

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of Defence’s most advanced and strategically important capabilities, directly contributing to Australia’s national security. Join a high-performing commercial team providing procurement, contracting and commercial expertise across major Defence programs.

Two Adelaide-based positions are currently available supporting the MC-55A Peregrine, MQ-4C Triton, P-8A Poseidon and Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), delivering critical intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and radar capabilities.

As an Assistant Director, you will work closely with stakeholders to deliver commercial outcomes, solve complex problems and support capability delivery. Responsibilities include developing commercial strategies, managing procurement and contracting activities, participating in tender evaluations and negotiations, providing commercial advice and training, and supporting contract management. You will also build strong stakeholder relationships, contribute to high-profile Defence projects, and lead and mentor team members.

This role offers strategic influence, leadership opportunities and strong professional development in a dynamic Defence environment.

A Merit List will be created and may be utilised if there are additional Assistant Director vacancies.

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

Commercial Delivery Branch, within Commercial Division, provides strategic commercial leadership, advice and support across the Defence enterprise. Our teams work on some of Defence’s largest, most complex and most important capability projects and programs, partnering with stakeholders to deliver innovative commercial solutions that enable Defence capability. From major acquisitions and sustainment programs to emerging technologies and strategic initiatives, our work has a direct impact on Defence outcomes.

Commercial Division offers unmatched diversity, scale and breadth of commercial work, providing opportunities to contribute to nationally significant projects while developing a broad and rewarding career. With a geographically dispersed workforce embedded across Australia, Commercial Division offers a unique opportunity to work alongside highly skilled professionals, lead high-impact initiatives and help shape Defence’s commercial landscape for the future. 

This is an exciting time to join a team that sits at the centre of delivering capability for Defence and making a meaningful contribution to Australia's security.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking motivated professionals with experience in commercial, contracting and/or procurement who thrive in complex, fast-paced environments and enjoy working collaboratively to achieve meaningful outcomes. We welcome applicants with strong transferable skills and will provide support to further develop the commercial expertise required for success in the role.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A commercially minded problem solver with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• An effective communicator who can build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders.
• A capable people leader who can guide and develop teams to achieve results.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to respond to changing priorities and business needs.
• Professional, ethical and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Passionate about continuous learning and supporting the growth and development of others.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

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