Commercial & Contracts Lead (Director)

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KPMG Australia seeks a Commercial and Contracts Director in Melbourne to lead commercial strategy, contract management, risk mitigation and stakeholder engagement for technology engagements, ensuring value and compliance. The candidate will bring strong knowledge of technology industry dynamics including IP, data privacy and cybersecurity, solid leadership, and a track record of negotiating complex contracts and managing lifecycles with cross functional teams. You will mentor the contracts team, monitor performance, and provide data insights to senior leaders. To apply, tailor your CV to show strategic impact, negotiation outcomes, risk controls and governance, and highlight experience with contract management software and tech platforms; demonstrate how you thrive in fast paced, innovation-driven environments and align with KPMG’s inclusive culture.

Job Description

The Commercial & Contracts Director is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing all commercial and contractual aspects of identified technology-based client engagements. This role ensures the firm maximises value, mitigates risks, and achieves its strategic objectives in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of technology industry dynamics, including intellectual property, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, and bring a strong understanding of commercial strategies, legal frameworks, financial models and industry best practices, coupled with exceptional leadership and communication skills. 

Your opportunity:

Commercial Strategy Development: 

• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with the firm’s goals and objectives. 
• Identify opportunities to optimise revenue and profitability while managing risks. 
• Ensure appropriate commercial protections are in place. 

Contract Management: 

• Contribute to the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 
• Manage the lifecycle of contracts during the engagement, including amendments, and terminations. 
• Support the engagement to ensure all contractual obligations are met by both the firm and its partners. 

Risk Management: 

• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks. 
• Ensure compliance to firm wide risk management frameworks and processes. 

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with firm leaders, engagement team members, and internal stakeholders. 
• Act as the point of contact for commercial and contractual matters. 

Leadership: 

• Lead and mentor other members of the commercial and contracts team, fostering a high-performance culture. 
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on contractual and commercial matters. 

Compliance, Performance Monitoring and Reporting: 

• Monitor and report on the performance of contracts and commercial activities. 
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support decision-making. 
• Ensure adherence to company policies, legal standards, and industry regulations. 
• Maintain accurate records of all contractual and commercial documentation. 

Your experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Law, Finance, Technology or a related field (master’s degree preferred). 
• Extensive experience in commercial management, contract negotiation, and risk management within the technology industry. 
• Strong understanding of technology-specific legal and regulatory requirements, including IP protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity. 
• Proven leadership and team management skills in a technology-driven environment. 
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions. 
• Proficiency in contract management software and tools, as well as familiarity with technology platforms like cloud services and AI tools. 

Key Competencies: 

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving. 
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills. 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. 
• Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams. 

Preferred Experience: 

• Senior Experience in procurement (preferably IT) 
• Senior IT leader with accountability for contract and commercials of third parties 

Additional Information

KPMG is a professional services firm with global outreach and deep sector experience. We work with clients across an array of industries to solve complex challenges, steer change and enable growth. 

Our people are what make KPMG the thriving workplace that it is and what sets us apart is that we know great minds think differently. Collaborate with a team of passionate, highly skilled professionals who’ve got your back. You’ll build relationships with unique and diverse colleagues who will provide you with the support you need to be your best and produce meaningful and impactful work in an inclusive, equitable culture.

At KPMG, you’ll take control over how you work. We’re embracing a new way of working in many ways, from offering flexible hours and locations to generous paid parental leave and career breaks. Our people enjoy a variety of exciting perks, including retail discounts, health and wellbeing initiatives, learning and growth opportunities, salary packaging options and more.

Diverse candidates have diverse needs. During your recruitment journey, information will be provided about adjustment requests. If you require additional support before submitting your application, please contact the Talent Attraction Support Team.

At KPMG every career is different, and we look forward to seeing how you grow with us.