Contracts Manager

**Job Title**Contract Manager

**Location**Henderson/Perth

**WHY AUSTAL**

Austal**(ASX: ASB)**is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor and maritime technology partner of choice; designing, constructing and supporting defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators. The company operates shipbuilding and sustainment facilities in Australia, the USA, Philippines and Vietnam.

Austal Australia is delivering multiple naval shipbuilding and sustainment programs for the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Border Force and the Department of Defence, employing approximately 1,000 people in facilities in located Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

**Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA)**

With an exciting pipeline of future work for the Australian Defence Force at the Henderson Shipyard, now is the time to join us to be a part of some meaningful work in a dynamic and outcome focussed environment.

Austal has been selected as the Commonwealths “Strategic Shipbuilder” in the West. This is your opportunity to join us for this exciting challenge and be part of the continuous naval shipbuilding program in Western Australia (WA), positive contributing in providing our Australian Defence Force with world class capability.

The SSA will establish an overarching program which enables the design and build of vessels at the Henderson Shipyard. The objective of the SSA is to possess the capacity and capability to initially deliver Landing Craft Medium & Landing Craft Heavy for the Australian Army as part of the continuous naval shipbuilding program in WA.

The SSA is about establishing the capability within the Henderson Precinct, and Western Australia, to continuously build vessels for the Commonwealth. It will be led by Austal, and will require the engagement of local industry, supply chain and workforce to be successful.

Working within the SSA will provide career development opportunities whilst working alongside experienced, dedicated, and passionate industry professionals, in a collaborative, dynamic and outcome focused environment.

**About the Opportunity**

The **Contracts Manager** is a key position within the Commercial team, embodying the principle of 'delivering together.' As the primary contract assurance provider for the Head Contract, this role ensures that the Commercial Framework, business rules, processes, and systems are in place and adhered to. Additionally, the Contracts Manager identifies and manages commercial risks by implementing effective business rules and management controls, thereby minimizing adverse impacts on Austal and its clients.
- Drive governance, assurance, and best practices across all contracts.
- Develop and maintain a contract management framework with standardized business rules, control guidelines, practices, processes, and templates to manage contracts consistently and efficiently, reducing risk and costs while maximizing profit opportunities.
- Manage all contractual risks across the program, working closely with the Senior Commercial Manager to ensure appropriate governance and stakeholder engagement in risk mitigation efforts.
- Manage the Contract Master Schedule, ensuring all key contractual deliverables are understood, delivered professionally, and on time.
- Develop and maintain management plans as required by the contracts.
- Monitor and report on compliance with established standards to ensure adherence to business rules.
- Obtain and manage Technical Data Software Rights (TDSR), ensuring compliance with Intellectual Property (IP) Deeds and proper management of technical data.
- Develop and maintain a contract reporting framework and dashboards.
- Grow contract value by compiling, submitting, and negotiating contract variations/claims and managing associated registers.
- Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to implement change initiatives and innovative business solutions that deliver productivity and efficiency benefits to Austal and its customers.

**Skills and Experience**
- What you will bring to the role.
- Proven understanding of contract management
- Degree or equivalent in Business, Law or Commerce
- Contract Management Qualification
- Strong experience in negotiation and conflict resolution complimented by influencing and interpersonal skills
- Excellent verbal and written communica6ttion skills
- Ability to provide technical leadership, whilst building and maintaining strong working relationships within the team
- Experience in Supply Chain
- Proven understanding of project management principles
- Due to the Security Clearance required for this position, applicants must be an Australian Citizen and eligible to obtain and uphold a Baseline Security Clearance through the Australian Department of Defence._

**Benefits**
- What Austal will provide to you as a valued employee.
- True work/life balance with a 9 day fortnight
- Competitive salary package and generous employee benefits (including EAP, retai