Description
Overview Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) For more than five decades, Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) has supported clients across the world to meet complex national security challenges. SPA Australia is a leading provider of integrated consulting, legal, commercial and analytics services to the Australian Government and large organisations. Our multidisciplinary approach combined with trusted advisory and leading-edge technology and analysis takes our clients further. In 2025, SPA acquired Proximity Advisory Services, a well-established and highly regarded consultancy organisation with unrivalled legal abilities, exceptional commercial capability, and a raft of specialisations in consulting. Today, SPA has more than 3,300 employees across 23 office locations within the US, UK and Australia. In Australia, more than 130 employees are based across Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. SPA Australia supports the Australian government on some of the country's highest priority projects. SPA is seeking a passionate and dedicated Practice Lead to drive the Commercial practice. This role provides strategic leadership across a high-performing team that works closely with federal government clients. The team's main work includes running or supporting government clients to run major procurements, procurement capability reviews, and advice on improving procurement functions, contract management, and probity advice. This role requires a strong, dynamic yet inclusive leader who can manage and mentor teams and build team capability. You will oversee the team's delivery of projects while remaining hands-on with complex procurement and contract work with government clients and internal teams. The Practice Lead works closely with and is supported by three Team Leads, and collaborates with the Legal, Consulting and Defence & Analytics Practice Leads to meet the needs of the business. As the National Lead for the team, you will have a significant role in business development. Success depends on leveraging networks, spotting opportunities, and overseeing tenders and quotes (including pricing). Strong government and industry relationships, commercial judgment, and financial acumen are essential. As the National Lead – Commercial, you will be a key contributor, champion, and advocate for the SPA Australia Business Plan. You will set the strategic vision for the Commercial practice, champion excellence, and ensure SPA remains the first-choice advisor for procurement, contracts, probity, and commercial solutions. A strategic mindset, combined with clear thinking and effective communication is required to set the vision for the Commercial Practice, establishing standards of excellence and upholding SPA's values and ways of working. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities: Lead the Commercial practice strategy development and execution to support organisational objectives. Collaborate with other Practice Leads and the Managing Director to maximise opportunities and staffing utilisation. Drive business development initiatives, leveraging networks to strengthen client relationships and grow the practice. Build and nurture external relationships, engaging in client issue management for best outcomes. Oversee/lead/deliver complex procurements, across all phases of the procurement including planning, tendering, evaluation, contract negotiation, supplier transition, and ongoing contract management. Oversee/lead/deliver drafting, reviews, negotiations, and management of commercial contracts, ensuring compliance and alignment with procurement rules and guidelines. Provide expert commercial guidance on complex business transactions and procurement matters to team members and clients, alike. Lead high-level negotiations on behalf of clients. Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, contract lifecycle management, and commercial frameworks. Oversee a team of approximately 25 staff including ~3 Team Leads, and oversee staff performance management, salary and promotions reviews, hiring and departure decisions. Qualifications Required Experience: 15+ years' experience in Commercial work with Government clients including contracting, procurement, governance, and probity. Extensive experience in government sourcing, procurement strategy, commercial model development, and end-to-end management of complex procurements, including tenders, evaluations, negotiations, and ongoing contract oversight. Proven track record in identifying, targeting and converting job opportunities in line with the practice plan. Proven track record delivering commercial advisory services across multiple client and programs, including ICT and Defence, as an advisory consultant. Experience leading commercial advisory teams, including mentoring and capability building. Strong client engagement and relationship management skills. Current NV2 Australian security clearance, or current NV1 and ability to obtain and maintain an NV2 clearance to delivery client work. Desired Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in law, business, commerce, finance, accounting, supply chain management or other relevant qualification. Executive MBA or postgraduate qualifications in business administration, procurement, or contract management of interest. You will be one of SPA Australia's strongest and most active leaders and ambassadors, able to collaborate and lead with followership. Clients and your colleagues will actively seek you out, wanting to work with you, time and time again. SPA Australia supports leaders through accessible, supportive and collaborative executive leadership balanced with autonomy to create a successful practice, supported by mature systems and enablement teams. This role offers an attractive remuneration package for the right Lead. Working with SPA Australia Collaborating with our clients to overcome challenges and achieve excellent outcomes is what matters most. We create an exceptional workplace culture that empowers our people with the confidence and knowledge to find the ‘right fit' solution for client needs. We're committed to a safe and respectful workplace where everyone – regardless of identity, orientation, background, or ability – feels valued and accepted. Our values are central to everything we do. We strengthen our culture and client advantage by being Genuine, taking a Bold Approach, and delivering Helpful outcomes in an Objective, Trusted, and Responsive way. The SPA Australia Difference We believe work should be a positive part of your life. It should challenge, engage, and support you in equal measure. By joining SPA Australia, you'll enjoy: Flexible working options Health and wellbeing support – financial and educational Professional development, support and funding Career progression pathways supporting your development and career goals The chance to give back to your community by working with our not-for-profit partners Does this sound like the right organisation for you? We provide a highly competitive executive compensation package, performance-based incentives, a collaborative and supportive leadership environment, comprehensive employee benefits, and the opportunity to oversee work that delivers significant strategic impact and meaningful outcomes. To find out more or to have a confidential discussion, please contact Loretta Pabian at careers@au.spa.com
Qualifications
Required Experience: 15+ years' experience in Commercial work with Government clients including contracting, procurement, governance, and probity. Extensive experience in government sourcing, procurement strategy, commercial model development, and end-to-end management of complex procurements, including tenders, evaluations, negotiations, and ongoing contract oversight. Proven track record in identifying, targeting and converting job opportunities in line with the practice plan. Proven track record delivering commercial advisory services across multiple client and programs, including ICT and Defence, as an advisory consultant. Experience leading commercial advisory teams, including mentoring and capability building. Strong client engagement and relationship management skills. Current NV2 Australian security clearance, or current NV1 and ability to obtain and maintain an NV2 clearance to delivery client work. Desired Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in law, business, commerce, finance, accounting, supply chain management or other relevant qualification. Executive MBA or postgraduate qualifications in business administration, procurement, or contract management of interest. You will be one of SPA Australia's strongest and most active leaders and ambassadors, able to collaborate and lead with followership. Clients and your colleagues will actively seek you out, wanting to work with you, time and time again. SPA Australia supports leaders through accessible, supportive and collaborative executive leadership balanced with autonomy to create a successful practice, supported by mature systems and enablement teams. This role offers an attractive remuneration package for the right Lead. Working with SPA Australia Collaborating with our clients to overcome challenges and achieve excellent outcomes is what matters most. We create an exceptional workplace culture that empowers our people with the confidence and knowledge to find the ‘right fit' solution for client needs. We're committed to a safe and respectful workplace where everyone – regardless of identity, orientation, background, or ability – feels valued and accepted. Our values are central to everything we do. We strengthen our culture and client advantage by being Genuine, taking a Bold Approach, and delivering Helpful outcomes in an Objective, Trusted, and Responsive way. The SPA Australia Difference We believe work should be a positive part of your life. It should challenge, engage, and support you in equal measure. By joining SPA Australia, you'll enjoy: Flexible working options Health and wellbeing support – financial and educational Professional development, support and funding Career progression pathways supporting your development and career goals The chance to give back to your community by working with our not-for-profit partners Does this sound like the right organisation for you? We provide a highly competitive executive compensation package, performance-based incentives, a collaborative and supportive leadership environment, comprehensive employee benefits, and the opportunity to oversee work that delivers significant strategic impact and meaningful outcomes. To find out more or to have a confidential discussion, please contact Loretta Pabian at careers@au.spa.com
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities: Lead the Commercial practice strategy development and execution to support organisational objectives. Collaborate with other Practice Leads and the Managing Director to maximise opportunities and staffing utilisation. Drive business development initiatives, leveraging networks to strengthen client relationships and grow the practice. Build and nurture external relationships, engaging in client issue management for best outcomes. Oversee/lead/deliver complex procurements, across all phases of the procurement including planning, tendering, evaluation, contract negotiation, supplier transition, and ongoing contract management. Oversee/lead/deliver drafting, reviews, negotiations, and management of commercial contracts, ensuring compliance and alignment with procurement rules and guidelines. Provide expert commercial guidance on complex business transactions and procurement matters to team members and clients, alike. Lead high-level negotiations on behalf of clients. Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, contract lifecycle management, and commercial frameworks. Oversee a team of approximately 25 staff including ~3 Team Leads, and oversee staff performance management, salary and promotions reviews, hiring and departure decisions.
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