Contracting Officer

The Role

As an APS 5 Contracting Officer within the High Frequency Surveillance Systems Program Office (HFSSPO), you will play a key role in managing contract documentation and correspondence while supporting governance and assurance activities across the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) capability. This is a dynamic role requiring strong attention to detail, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will work under broad direction to ensure commercial processes are compliant, efficient, and aligned with Defence policy and legislative frameworks.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Support the preparation of briefs, letters, reports, contract change proposals (CCPs), and quotation documentation.
• Coordinate reviews and responses to Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) items.
• Maintain commercial registers and reporting tools.
• Maintain commercial filing structures and manage incoming and outgoing correspondence.
• Ensure contract documentation remains current following approved changes.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and information flow.
• Assist with governance and assurance of commercial elements in capability development.
• Apply relevant legislative, policy and regulatory frameworks to commercial processes.
• Contribute to team capability through mentoring, coaching and ongoing professional development.

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 High Frequency Sensing Systems Program Office (HFSSPO) is an exciting environment to work in, offering rewarding opportunities in world leading capabilities and emerging technologies.

HFSSPO acquires, sustains, and exports High Frequency radar capabilities for the Australian Defence Force. This includes the world leading Jindalee Over the Horizon Radar. HFSSPO is a complex, fast-paced environment comprising a professional integrated workforce. We work in conjunction with Air Force, other Defence Groups, our Allies, and our industry partners to deliver complex programs for Defence. In addition to being involved in unique sovereign programs, you will also have access to competitive working conditions. As an Australian Public Servant in Defence, you will be supported in balancing work and family priorities and the remuneration package includes a generous superannuation contribution (15.4%).

Our Ideal Candidate

To succeed in this role you will:

• Be a highly organised and detail-oriented professional with a strong foundation in commercial administration.
• Confident managing complex documentation, coordinating contract changes, and maintaining structured filing and reporting systems.
• Have excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Understand the importance of compliance and governance and are comfortable working within legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proactive and solution-focused, capable of identifying process improvements and resolving issues with minimal guidance.
• Committed to continuous personal and professional development and contribute positively to team capability through mentoring, coaching, and knowledge sharing.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 23 October 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference
CASG/07630/25
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