About the Opportunity

Based in Henderson, WA, this senior role leads commercial, procurement, contract management, and governance across shipbuilding, sustainment, and commercial programs. Working with Legal and Procurement, you will drive commercial strategy to optimise performance, maximise contract value, manage risk, and support delivery of complex projects.

You will oversee the full project lifecycle. From tendering and negotiation to execution, claims, and close out, ensuring compliance while enabling strategic decisions through analysis, forecasting, and reporting.

About Austal

Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder and defence prime contractor, delivering vessels and maritime solutions worldwide. With operations across Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam, we support projects of national significance and drive continuous naval shipbuilding in WA.

Learn more at austal.com/ssa

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

What's Involved

Commercial Leadership

Develop and execute commercial strategies
Advise executives and program teams
Maintain governance frameworks
Drive continuous improvement

Contract Management

Support negotiations with customers and suppliers
Oversee contract lifecycle and administration
Manage variations, claims, disputes, and close-out

Procurement & Supply Chain

Provide commercial oversight of procurement
Support supplier negotiations and evaluations
Manage supply chain risk and compliance

Risk & Performance

Identify and mitigate commercial and financial risks
Support forecasting, budgeting, and reviews
Monitor performance, margins, and reporting

Stakeholder & Leadership

Build stakeholder relationships
Lead and develop commercial teams
Foster a high-performance culture

You'll Need

Qualifications

Degree in Commerce, Business, Law, Finance or similar
Postgraduate or professional accreditation desirable

Skills & Experience

Strong commercial and financial acumen
Advanced negotiation and risk management capability
Experience managing high value contracts in complex environments
Background in defence, maritime, engineering, or similar sectors
Excellent stakeholder engagement and leadership skills

Why Join Us?

Competitive remuneration
Career development opportunities
Supportive, high performing environment

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

Commercial Manager

austal ships