Procurement and Subcontract Manager - HF Exports | VIC-Melbourne Central Office

Job description

Procurement and Subcontract Manager

Job Location: Edinburgh Parks, SA OR Melbourne, VIC

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you'll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you'll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You'll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow - shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space - there's no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

We are seeking a highly capable Procurement & Subcontract Manager with strong commercial acumen, to join our HF Exports team where your contribution will ensure the best commercial outcomes for the Customer and the business.

This opportunity is available at our Edinburgh Parks, SA office or Melbourne CBD, VIC office and open to hybrid work, flexibility and 9 day fortnight. 

As the Procurement and Subcontract Manager, you will lead a team and collectively be responsible for the sourcing, contracting, and management of suppliers and subcontractors to deliver quality outcomes aligned with business, cost, schedule, and safety requirements. You will foster strong supplier relationships, drive performance, and implement strategies that maximise value while minimising risk.

This role is a full-time fixed term opportunity until 31/12/2028.

Core Duties:

• Develop and implement robust supplier sourcing strategies for the business in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Lead the supply chain elements of bids and tenders ensuring robust definition of requirements and supplier contractual terms in line with customer requirements.
• Establish appropriate terms and conditions based on scope of work understandings of risk profile as part of RFx process.
• Propose and review complex terms and conditions to ensure that BAE Systems Australia Business interests are protected.
• Adopt clear understandings with suppliers of both technical and commercial issues to ensure that business arrangements minimise risk. Work with internal commercial and legal team as required to ensure all contracts have the necessary legal input/governance.
• Lead the supplier evaluation process and support sourcing recommendations on behalf of the business.
• Facilitate and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers, working closely with Operations and key stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
• Lead supplier negotiations and finalise Supplier Agreements in accordance with set Delegations of Authority.
• Manage commercial and contractual relationships with key suppliers, ensuring contractual obligations, performance measures and service levels are achieved.
• Identify and manage supplier risks and opportunities, including those of the suppliers' supply chains.
• Support the implementation of learning from experience practices within the team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier performance, value delivery and operational outcomes.
• Lead and develop a small team of Procurement and Subcontract Professionals.

Essential Skills:

• Previous contract administration experience will be highly regarded. (especially in areas of US Contracting FARS/DFARS and/or ASDEFCON Subcontracts / CASG procurement documentation experience or knowledge).
• Understanding of financial price models and cost analysis skills (basic to intermediate) will be highly regarded.
• Experience managing complex contract portfolios and delivering measurable results.
• Degree-qualified in a relevant field (commercial, business, supply chain, project management or related disciplines preferred).
• Previous experience in a similar role within the defence industry will be highly regarded.
• Strong contract management experience, including administration, performance management, dispute resolution and contractual compliance.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance operational requirements with commercial outcomes.
• Adept at building and sustaining high-level relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, operations teams and customers.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a high-performance culture within procurement and technical teams.

About Strategic Surveillance - HF Exports:

The High Frequency Sensing team is part of the BAE Systems Defence Delivery Business Unit and delivers advanced Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) capability across the full lifecycle, spanning acquisition, sustainment and research and development – with all design wholly undertaken within Australia.  It brings together expertise in large and medium scale wide area surveillance systems to support sovereign capability and operational readiness for Australian and international export customers.  It is an exciting time to join the team with major upgrades occurring for Australian and US customer systems, evolving sustainment focus to ensure capability readiness for the Australian Defence Force customer, and mobilisation of a major export acquisition program to Canada, as well as future growth opportunities constantly on the go. We are structured as two product portfolios, proudly providing exciting opportunities to our people and critical capabilities to our Australian and international customers.  

Why BAE Systems?

Here you'll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work - this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You'll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what's most important to you and your family - support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.  

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Please visit this webpage for more information