Contract Manager

Job Req ID ABF -  Location ACT   Employment Type Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time  Classification Executive Level 1 - $115,443.00 and $134,865.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata) Contact Officer Katrina Alexander on or    Office Arrangements Onsite; Flexible - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.  Applications close on 18/12/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted. About our opportunity This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position/s.  Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.  About our team Strategy & Capability | Civil Maritime Capability | Civil Maritime Sustainment | Civil Maritime Sustainment Branch The Australian Border Force (ABF) is an operational agency within the Home Affairs Portfolio. The ABF is responsible for operational activity that supports the Australian Government's border protection, investigations, compliance, detention and enforcement functions.  Within the ABF, Civil Maritime Sustainment Branch (CMSB) is responsible for the capability management and sustainment a fleet of air and marine surveillance, patrol and response assets. Our capabilities include ocean going patrol boats, shallow water and coastal response vessels and contracted aircraft. CMSB also provides command, operational and logistical support in support of the ABF's operational objectives.  The Civil Maritime Sustainment Branch operates in a complex, challenging and changing environment that is characterised by a continual high tempo of operations. The Large Hull and Small Vessel ISS Section is responsible for the provision of contract management and contract administration, including stakeholder engagement for the In-Service Support (ISS) arrangements for a variety of vessels - large, small, alternative and most recently leased ABF vessels. The section also manages the divisional contracted workforce contracts, oversight of contractor recruitment, contractor engagement and divisional finance co-ordination. Some of the contracts managed by the section are high risk-high value (HRHV), requiring best practice contract management and are subject to a high degree of governance and public scrutiny. Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force.  Our ideal candidate Our ideal candidate will be responsible for planning, leading and managing complex High Risk, High value (HRHV) contract management and/or procurement activities. Your previous experience will enable you to ensure the Department obtains value for money through satisfactory contractor performance, including the achievement of contract milestones, delivery of services and products specified in the contract, and managing risks effectively. You will possess sound critical analysis and reasoning skills to identify and address complex issues relating to HRHV contracts. Key to your success to perform this role will be strong writing skills, time management, liaison and negotiation skills to communicate with staff, collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding complex technical advice, and provide briefings to Senior Executive and stakeholders. Duties and responsibilities The responsibilities of the CMC Contract Manager may include: Oversee contract performance, ensuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and contractual obligations are met Provide advice and prepare documentation such as briefs, minutes, performance reviews, contract variations, extensions, reports, plans, and high-quality written briefs to the Executive on business, contractual and financial aspects of the contracts Prepare formal correspondence and meet with stakeholders and vendors to resolve contractual and performance issues Responsible for planning, analysing and leading contract management and/or procurement activities Sound critical analysis and negotiation skills to identify and address complex issues Lead a team to deliver high quality outputs within specific timeframes Build and maintain strong and effective relationships and be able to work cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders Manage enquiries from internal stakeholders and external providers, including acting as an escalation point for providers of more complex and sensitive issues Review procurement and contract documentation to identify deliverables, standards, timeframes and costs Schedule and engage with providers and manage on boarding and off boarding processes to ensure the efficient commencement and cessation of service delivery Conduct and manage contract administration, including invoice verifications, payment authorisations and reviewing administrative actions Conduct and manage ongoing risk assessment, quality assurance monitoring and compliance activities of contracts in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Additional information Qualifications Mandatory Certificate IV or Diploma in Government Procurement and Contracting Qualifications in finance, project management or contract management (or relevant experience) Experience in people management and leading a team Demonstrated strong communication skills including the ability to establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders Demonstrated strong negotiation and representational skills, to ensure both the Department and the contractor achieves all stated aims and outcomes. Desirable Experience in administration, business governance, audit or assurance is highly desirable, but not essential Experience in the maritime and or aviation environment is highly desirable, but not essential. *Please note: The Job Ad closed date has been extended and will now close 11:59pm AEDT (Midnight) 18/12/2025** How to apply Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 18/12/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – Late applications will not be accepted. As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining: How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number –  in the document footer. Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification. Eligibility To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen. The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:  ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC). Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.  In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.   Diversity and inclusion The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply. RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: Technical assistance For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance: Email: Phone: (within Australia) or +61 (outside of Australia) Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours. Notes The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS. The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement. Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at