Organisational Overview:
Av-Comm Space & Defence (Av-Comm) is the longest-standing privately-owned Satellite Communications company in the Southern Hemisphere. We deliver end-to-end solutions encompassing project, and program management capabilities from feasibility studies, land acquisition, design and manufacturing, logistics, installation, integration, commissioning, and long-term sustainment of the system.
Av-Comm has extensive experience installing and maintaining communications infrastructure particularly across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Americas, Middle East, and Europe.
As part of our continued growth, Av-Comm is seeking a Contracts Manager to join our Project Management Office to enhance our Project and Program Management capability.
Role Purpose:
The Av-Comm Contracts Manager plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of complex satellite communications (SATCOM) programs and/or projects across government, defence, and commercial sectors. This position is responsible for leading the end-to-end lifecycle management of
contracts across the Av-Comm Space & Defence delivery program. This includes contract negotiation, execution, monitoring, compliance, risk management, and ongoing contract administration to ensure alignment with organisational objectives and regulatory requirements.
The role plays a critical part in supporting strategic bids, managing complex commercial relationships, and ensuring contractual obligations are delivered effectively in high-compliance environments.
Key Responsibilities:
General:
- Lead the development and maintenance of Statement of Requirements and Statement of Works in alignment with project and program needs.
- Manage the full contract lifecycle from pre-award through to close-out.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contract terms, conditions and terms.
- Ensure all contracts comply with relevant standards, regulations, contractual obligations, procurement frameworks, and company policies.
- Lead the end-to-end procurement of contractor capability for project and program needs.
- Be the point of contact for all site manager requests relating to contractor risks, issues, opportunities and variations impacting the delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and quality across multiple concurrent projects.
- Liaise with contractors and site supervisors to verify the completion of work to ensure timely invoicing and payments.
- Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and customers.
- Provide support as required to Projects and Programs within the Project Management Office as required to ensure team success.
- Provide updates and progress reports at project and team meetings.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Conduct contractor evaluations and contract closure reports.
Governance, Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare and maintain contract documentation and related folders.
- Provide regular status updates.
- Ensure compliance with frameworks and standards.
- Support audit and quality assurance activities.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Liaise with government, defence, and commercial clients to support effective project and program outcomes.
- Engage with suppliers, subcontractors, and partners to align on all aspects of project and program delivery.
- Report program status to the Project and Program Managers, the PMO Director, and senior leadership.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve contract management processes systems, and templates.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of commercial policies and procedures.
- Mentor and support team members where applicable.
- Contribute to lessons learned, post-project reviews, and process improvements.
- Support implementation of quality management processes.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in law, Business, Commerce, Procurement, or a related discipline.
- Experience in contract management within civil construction.
- Strong knowledge of government contracting frameworks and procurement processes.
- Experience with complex, high-value contracts and multi-stakeholder environments.
- Familiarity with export control regulations highly desirable.
Key Competencies:
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- High attention to detail and analytical capability.
- Self-starter/self-led with the passion for self-improvement.
- Commercial acumen and risk awareness.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Security & Eligibility Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance (e.g., NV1, NV2).
- Australian citizenship may be required.
