The key duties of the position include The Role The Commercial Branch within Defence Legal provides specialist and strategic commercial, procurement and contract advice across the Defence portfolio, including on some of Australia's most significant, largest, and most complex matters. The size and scale of the work the Commercial Branch undertakes is unprecedented in the Commonwealth.Your clients will include the Secretary of the Department, the Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group, the Defence Service Chiefs, Defence Digital Group, the Defence Science and Technology Group and Joint Capabilities Group. You will advise these clients on commercial law, contract interpretation, performance and management, commercial claims, ICT law, insurance law, intellectual property, probity and procurement and tendering.As an EL 2 Legal Officer or Legal Director (Special Counsel) within the Commercial Branch, you will exercise a significant degree of independence and perform an important leadership role within the in-house practice. You will be responsible for influencing and developing strategies, policies, priorities, participation in strategic negotiations as well as operational practices in support of Defence's commercial objectives based on high-level decision making and judgement.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 Agreement (DEA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer. About our Team All lawyers within Defence Legal's Commercial Branch are given the opportunity to be mentored and developed by some of Australia's most senior commercial and project lawyers, including external legal advisors. You will also have the opportunity to supervise and mentor junior commercial lawyers, while also continuing to develop your skills under the guidance of some of Australia's most experienced commercial lawyers.In addition to developing strong technical legal skills, you will develop a keen understanding of the workings of Government and a deep ability to manage multiple stakeholders. Our Legal Officers, Senior Legal Officers and Directors are also offered opportunities for significant personal and professional development to be able to support our clients in this very rewarding environment.Defence is an inclusive and flexible workplace where our employees' individuality and contributions are valued. We understand the importance of balancing your work and personal life commitments, and we help with this through our suite of flexible working options and supportive and comprehensive employee assistance and wellbeing programs. Defence believes in continuous learning and professional development to assist you in achieving your career goals. We offer a range of learning and development opportunities, as well as a study assistance program. Our Ideal Candidate You will have excellent technical commercial legal skills, having worked across a broad range of commercial matters (including commercial and probity advice, contract drafting and review and some of varying subject matter and complexity). You will:Use this technical skill to provide strategic advice to senior management and stakeholders as well as leading and assuming accountability for very complex work, sensitive projects or work programs that have strategic, political, or operational significance.Have excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills, including the ability to initiate, establish and maintain strong relationships with a network of stakeholders internally and externally.Have strong people management skills.Plan and manage your team's workflow and performance to lead a high performing and cohesive team.As an EL 2 Legal Officer or Legal Director (Special Counsel), you will be accountable for providing leadership and direction to your team, including mentoring and developing junior staff and ensuring consistency of approach across the Branch and Defence Legal Division.