Contract Manager in Canberra

Our client is a well-established construction company delivering large and complex projects across a range of sectors, including commercial high-rise residential, education, health and government. As a privately owned business, it has built its reputation on taking on technically demanding builds and managing them end to end through a strong in-house project and commercial team.

The Opportunity

This is a new position created in response to a strong forward pipeline of work, rather than a replacement role. You’ll lead the commercial function for a major project based in Canberra, working alongside the Project Manager and Site Manager as part of a project team of around 15 to 25 people delivering the build end to end. You’ll report to the Commercial Manager and take ownership of the commercial and contractual side of the project, from procurement through to close-out.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Take on leadership of a project’s commercial function, with direct reports rather than an individual-contributor remit
• Join at the front end of a newly created position, with a real say in how the role and the commercial team operate
• Work on a large-scale build in the $50 – $300 million+ range, alongside an established Project Manager and Site Manager
• Join a business with a strong pipeline of upcoming work beyond this project
• Take ownership of procurement strategy, contract administration and commercial risk for the project

The Role

As Contracts Manager, you’ll lead commercial and contract administration for the project, working closely with the Project Manager and Site Manager while directing your own contracts team. You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading project execution from a commercial perspective, working in close collaboration with the Project Manager and Site Manager
• Directing commercial and financial risk analysis, control and reporting for the project, including monthly performance reviews
• Reviewing head contract documentation and subcontract tenders, identifying and reporting on risks and opportunities
• Vetting and administering contractual documents, ensuring back-to-back conditions are maintained between the head contract and subcontracts
• Developing and implementing the project’s procurement strategy, and manage the procurement of subcontractors
• Managing the progress claims, variations and Extension of Time process for both the client and subcontractors
• Managing and resolving contractual disputes, and lead project finalisation including defects and close-out documentation
• Leading and mentoring Contract Administrators and Cadets, and manage the performance and development of the wider commercial team
• Preparing and presenting monthly commercial and financial reports to management

The Ideal Person

You’ve built your career in construction commercial teams and are ready to lead that function on a large, complex project rather than support someone else running it. You will bring the following skills and experience:

• 7-10+ years’ experience as a Senior Contract Administrator (or equivalent) in construction, ready to step up into your first or next Contracts Manager role
• Commercial experience with a Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 contractor on projects ranging from $50 million up to $300 million or more
• A background in commercial high-rise residential, education, health or hospitals, or data centre construction is highly desirable
• Advanced knowledge of contract law principles and relevant construction legislation
• Experience leading a project administration or commercial team, including direct reports
• A relevant degree in construction management, engineering, project management, building or construction (or equivalent experience)

It’s also desirable for you to have:

• Experience with CHEOPS, Aconex or similar construction management software

Salary / Rate

$180k–$250k + Super Permanent, full-time position Based on-site at a major project in Woden, Canberra

HorizonOne is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and we encourage applications from people of all cultures, capabilities and backgrounds.