At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies and manage contracts for major projects.
- Company: AE Smith, a respected leader in HVAC and building services for over 120 years.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with potential for permanent role and exposure to iconic projects.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on safety and efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in commercial or contract management; strong negotiation and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 $ per year.
12 month Fixed Term maternity leave contract Sydney Based (Artarmon)
AE Smith is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager OR Contracts Manager to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave. This role has an opportunity for Permanent Employment after the duration of the contract. Working closely with the Head of Commercial and senior business leaders, you will develop and implement effective commercial strategies, strengthen contract management practices and protect the organisation’s contractual and financial interests.
This is an opportunity for a commercially astute professional who combines strong contract expertise with sound judgement, influential communication skills and a collaborative approach.
Key responsibilities
- Provide commercial advice across head contracts, projects and service agreements
- Review and negotiate contract terms with clients, suppliers and subcontractors
- Prepare and review contractual notices, time claims, cost claims and supporting documentation
- Manage contract administration, claims, disputes and commercial risk
- Develop commercial strategies that protect contractual entitlements and support business objectives
- Implement project performance measures and commercial controls
- Monitor budgets, expenditure and financial performance
- Identify commercial risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies
- Coordinate with internal and external legal advisers as required
- Build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and internal stakeholders
- Mentor team members and strengthen commercial capability across the business
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and commercial outcomes
- Promote a proactive safety culture and model responsible workplace behaviours
About you
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- At least four years’ senior commercial or contract management experience in a comparable environment
- A tertiary qualification in commercial management, law or a related discipline
- Strong knowledge of the Australian construction market and common forms of contract
- Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating head contracts and subcontract agreements
- Experience preparing and managing contractual claims and notices
- A strong record of resolving commercial issues while minimising formal disputes and litigation
- Well-developed commercial awareness and financial acumen
- Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to influence and build trusted relationships at all levels
- A collaborative, ethical and solutions-focused approach
Postgraduate qualifications or a law degree will be highly regarded.
Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to influence commercial outcomes across a diverse portfolio of technical services projects while working closely with operational, financial and leadership teams. If you are an experienced commercial professional who can balance risk, relationships and results, we would like to hear from you.
- Step into a senior commercial leadership role within a Tier 1 contracting environment
- Gain valuable experience leading the commercial function during a defined 12-month maternity leave contract
- Work across major blue-chip client contracts and large-scale, complex project portfolios
- Gain exposure to high-profile and iconic projects across Australia
- Influence commercial strategy, risk management and contract outcomes at a senior level
- Partner with executive leaders, clients, legal advisers and key project stakeholders
- Strengthen your experience in complex contract negotiations, claims and dispute management
- Build a strong track record within a respected and established technical services business
- Make an immediate and visible impact while broadening your senior leadership experience
Contracts Manager in Sydney employer: AE Smith SA
At AE Smith, we pride ourselves on being an employer that truly values its people, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in the Shoalhaven/Nowra area. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive wages, and a culture built by tradespeople for tradespeople, we ensure our team members feel valued and have ample opportunities for career progression. Join us to be part of a company with over 120 years of history, where your well-being is prioritised and your contributions are recognised.
