About the OpportunityAs the Contracts Officer for Austal Defence Australia (ADA), you’ll be responsible for supporting the management, administration and governance of complex defence shipbuilding contracts. The roles ensures that contractual obligations, commercial requirements and project delivery objectives are effectively managed in accordance with contractual frameworks, defence industry standards and company policies. You will be providing commercial advice, contract administration, supporting contractual deliverables, drafting correspondence, reviewing subcontractor claims, and ensuring that all commercial and contractual risks are understood, managed and mitigated where practical.About AustalAustal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam. Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers. Learn more at austal.com/ssaThis is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now. What’s Involved Administer and manage contractual documentation, deliverables, contract change proposals (CCPs), variations, claims, and correspondence in accordance with contractual requirements and established processes.Draft, review, and amend subcontracts, purchase orders, deeds and ancillary agreements in line with Austal’s standard templates and policies.Review subcontractor claims and contractual documentation, identify issues or risks, and provide accurate recommendations and summaries to the Contracts Manager.Maintain contract compliance by ensuring adherence to Australian Defence procurement policies, relevant legislation, internal procedures, approval authorities, and contractual obligations.Coordinate the timely submission, tracking, and filing of contract deliverables, reports, claims, correspondence, and other documentation, ensuring all registers remain accurate and up to date.Monitor client and stakeholder responses, escalate overdue matters, and communicate contract issues, risks, and opportunities to the Contracts Manager in a timely manner.Maintain accurate contract registers, tracking key dates, deliverables, milestones, insurances, guarantees and compliance obligations.Support commercial and contract administration activities across the business by providing guidance, promoting best practice, and representing ADA’s commercial interests when required.Organise and participate in internal and external meetings, including preparing agendas and documentation, recording and distributing accurate minutes, and ensuring actions are tracked and completed.Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement while supporting business initiatives, stakeholder relationships, and ADA’s values and reputation.You’ll Need 4+ years’ experience in a similar roleCommercial and contract document management, including experience on contract drafting, variations, and claimsAbility to prioritise, multitask and meet all deadlinesAccuracy and attention to detailExcellent written and verbal communicationsStrong business acumenBachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business, Commerce, Commercial Law or similar field (essential)Working knowledge and understanding of the ASDEFCON suite of contracts (desirable)Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance Why Join Us?Competitive compensation and benefits package.Professional development and training opportunities.A supportive and dynamic work environment.Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia AUD Fremantle 6160

Contracts Officer

About the Opportunity

As the Contracts Officer for Austal Defence Australia (ADA), you’ll be responsible for supporting the management, administration and governance of complex defence shipbuilding contracts. The roles ensures that contractual obligations, commercial requirements and project delivery objectives are effectively managed in accordance with contractual frameworks, defence industry standards and company policies. You will be providing commercial advice, contract administration, supporting contractual deliverables, drafting correspondence, reviewing subcontractor claims, and ensuring that all commercial and contractual risks are understood, managed and mitigated where practical.

About Austal

Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

Learn more at austal.com/ssa

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s Involved

  • Administer and manage contractual documentation, deliverables, contract change proposals (CCPs), variations, claims, and correspondence in accordance with contractual requirements and established processes.
  • Draft, review, and amend subcontracts, purchase orders, deeds and ancillary agreements in line with Austal’s standard templates and policies.
  • Review subcontractor claims and contractual documentation, identify issues or risks, and provide accurate recommendations and summaries to the Contracts Manager.
  • Maintain contract compliance by ensuring adherence to Australian Defence procurement policies, relevant legislation, internal procedures, approval authorities, and contractual obligations.
  • Coordinate the timely submission, tracking, and filing of contract deliverables, reports, claims, correspondence, and other documentation, ensuring all registers remain accurate and up to date.
  • Monitor client and stakeholder responses, escalate overdue matters, and communicate contract issues, risks, and opportunities to the Contracts Manager in a timely manner.
  • Maintain accurate contract registers, tracking key dates, deliverables, milestones, insurances, guarantees and compliance obligations.
  • Support commercial and contract administration activities across the business by providing guidance, promoting best practice, and representing ADA’s commercial interests when required.
  • Organise and participate in internal and external meetings, including preparing agendas and documentation, recording and distributing accurate minutes, and ensuring actions are tracked and completed.
  • Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement while supporting business initiatives, stakeholder relationships, and ADA’s values and reputation.

You’ll Need

  • 4+ years’ experience in a similar role
  • Commercial and contract document management, including experience on contract drafting, variations, and claims
  • Ability to prioritise, multitask and meet all deadlines
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communications
  • Strong business acumen
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business, Commerce, Commercial Law or similar field (essential)
  • Working knowledge and understanding of the ASDEFCON suite of contracts (desirable)
  • Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance

Why Join Us?

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Professional development and training opportunities.
  • A supportive and dynamic work environment.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia

  • Posted Date 14 Jul 2026
  • Location Fremantle
    WA / Australia
  • Industry Administration & Office Support
  • Job Type Full Time
  • Salary Not provided