Commercial - Contract Manager

The Role

We are seeking two driven and commercially astute professionals to join our team to support the successful delivery of large-scale road and civil construction projects across Australia.  One role is to be based in either Sydney or Brisbane and the other in Perth.

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, you will play a critical role in managing the commercial and contractual aspects of major projects, ensuring strong contract governance, appropriate risk allocation, and the protection and enforcement of the company’s contractual entitlements across the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead all contractual and commercial aspects of projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with company procedures and project objectives
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including project, finance, legal and procurement teams to maximise commercial opportunities and support informed decision-making
• Track project financial performance to safeguard profitability and compliance with contractual obligations
• Prepare, review and submit payment claims, variations, and contractual notifications in accordance with contract requirements and deadlines
• Evaluate works executed in line with contract rates, scope, and approved variations
• Proactively identify and manage contractual risks, issuing timely notices to mitigate exposure to delay or cost claims
• Prepare and coordinate claims against the client for delay, disruption or other client-caused impacts, including substantiating cost and time effects, quantifying claim amounts and assessing programme impact
• Negotiate and maintain subcontractor and supplier agreements, ensuring they are implemented during execution and paid in line with agreed terms and verified progress
• Support subcontracting plans and tender evaluations from a contractual standpoint
• Manage contractual correspondence with clients and any JV/consortium partners, and maintain complete records of all contractual matters, claims, guarantees and liabilities
• Train and support staff in contract management as required
• Other duties as required 

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Law or a related field
• Minimum 10 years’ construction industry experience, including at least 5 years in contract management
• Strong background in major projects, ideally within road construction or civil infrastructure
• Strong understanding of the various forms of construction contracts used in the road, transport or construction industry
• Sound knowledge of the SOPA process and experience preparing claims for variations and extensions of time (EOTs)
• Proficiency in cost control systems, project financial reporting and MS Project
• Strong ability to build effective relationships and influence outcomes
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management and communication skills

Culture and Benefits

At COLAS Australia our people are vital to our success. Our employees make us different and set us apart from our competitors. Our goal is to attract, retain and develop visionary, talented, and passionate individuals. Our people are central to everything we do.

The successful applicant will be rewarded with: 

• A competitive salary package 
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Annual renumeration reviews
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• Life insurance & health care benefits
• Corporate fitness program + discounts on healthy meals, active wear, supplements + more!
• Employee recognition & assistance programs