The key duties of the position include The Role The EL 1 Small UAS Commercial Manager is a key leadership role within the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program Office (UASPO), accountable under broad direction for delivering complex to very complex commercial and contracting outcomes that enable capability delivery across the Small UAS portfolio. The position requires deep expertise in procurement and contract management, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to operate with a high degree of independence, initiative, and sound judgement in a rapidly evolving capability environment. The EL 1 Small UAS Commercial Manager will provide authoritative commercial advice to UASPO executives, ensuring that contracting activities align with Defence policy, procurement frameworks, and strategic program objectives. A critical part of the role is mentoring and developing commercial practitioners, fostering a high-performing commercial workforce capable of producing consistent, accurate, and timely outputs. The role will act as the primary point of escalation for complex contracting issues, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to resolve commercial, policy, and industry-engagement challenges. The successful candidate will lead the development and refinement of Small UAS-specific commercial strategies, contracting models, and governance frameworks, ensuring they are contemporary, scalable, and responsive to Defence's evolving capability needs. They will oversee the planning, negotiation, execution, and performance management of contracts across the Small UAS enterprise, while continuously identifying opportunities to improve value-for-money outcomes, simplify processes, and strengthen commercial risk management. This role has been identified as requiring access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) controlled technology. The ITAR is United States (US) law, which regulates defence articles, including technical data, and defence services on the United States Munitions List. Access restrictions may apply based on currently held/previously held citizenship, as well as current permanent residency. Defence may be able to utilise workforce exemptions to mitigate these restrictions, which generally requires that applicants provide details of all current citizenships and permanent residencies, as well as previously held citizenships. Defence collects these details to confirm an applicant's eligibility for the role and to maintain compliance with international obligations. 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 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program Office (UASPO) resides within Army Aviation Systems Branch (AASB) in Joint Aviation Systems Division (JASD) of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG). The Program Office is comprised of a Business Management Unit (BMU), with three recently restructured teams; one focused on future capabilities, and the other two specialising on Tactical and Small UAS Delivery and Sustainment programs. UASPO are trusted to consistently and safely deliver against agreed requirements for the Capability Manager, with the best value for money outcomes. We work closely with, and are proud of the strong relationships with our Defence and Industry stakeholders. UASPO is based in Brisbane, with detachments located in Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne. Our Ideal Candidate Our ideal candidate is an experienced commercial professional with a strong track record in managing complex procurement and contracting activities. They bring sound commercial judgement, well-developed negotiation skills, and the ability to shape effective contracting strategies in fast-moving, technology-driven capability areas. They will be proactive, organised, and confident operating with a high degree of autonomy, providing clear and authoritative commercial advice to senior leaders. The ideal candidate is a natural collaborator who builds strong relationships with stakeholders across Defence and industry, and who can navigate policy, process and commercial risk with ease. They will demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
