Commercial and Contract Lead

Fremantle Ports; Fremantle; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave provisions

Salary packaging benefits

Ongoing training and development

Health and wellbeing program

WA economy contribution

Job summary

Fremantle Ports is seeking a Commercial & Contract Lead to drive contract strategy and manage commercial risk on major construction and infrastructure packages. You will work with project leaders, procurement, construction managers and contractors to influence outcomes and ensure successful delivery.

Reporting to the Commercial & Legal Manager, you will lead contract administration across the project lifecycle, assess claims and variations, and support governance and executive reporting while

Qualifications

• Degree in QS/commerce/law or related field.
• At least 7 years’ experience in commercial management or contract administration in major infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of contract frameworks (AS4000, AS4902, NEC or FIDIC).
• Experience managing claims, variations and EOT assessments.
• RICS/AIQS or equivalent accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate construction, consultancy, supply and interface agreements.
• Administer major project contracts and support package delivery teams.
• Assess claims, variations, extension of time claims and compensation events.
• Support commercial forecasting, governance and executive reporting.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks while maximizing project opportunities.
• Build relationships with contractors, stakeholders and delivery partners.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Analytical capability

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying / Commerce / Business / Law / Construction Management / Engineering

Tools

AS4000/AS4902/NEC/FIDIC

Job description

Job Description

As our Commercial & Contract Lead, you will be at the centre of complex commercial decision-making, driving contract strategy, managing commercial risk, and ensuring the successful delivery of major construction and infrastructure packages. Working closely with project leaders, procurement teams, construction managers and contractors, you'll influence outcomes on a project that will leave a lasting legacy.

Your Day-to-Day Impact

Reporting to the Commercial & Legal Manager, you will provide commercial leadership and specialist contract administration expertise across the project lifecycle. Your focus will be on ensuring contractual obligations, commercial risks and opportunities are effectively managed from procurement and delivery through to project close-out.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction, consultancy, supply and interface agreements.


• Administering major project contracts and supporting package delivery teams.


• Assessing claims, variations, extension of time claims and compensation events.


• Supporting commercial forecasting, governance and executive reporting.


• Identifying, assessing and mitigating commercial risks while maximising project opportunities.


• Building strong relationships across contractors, project stakeholders and delivery partners.

The Expertise You Bring

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Commerce, Business, Law, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.


• At least 7 years' experience in commercial management or contract administration within major infrastructure, construction, resources, ports or industrial projects.


• Strong knowledge of AS4000, AS4902, NEC or FIDIC contract frameworks.


• Experience managing claims, variations and EOT assessments. E


• Exceptional commercial acumen, analytical capability and stakeholder engagement skills.


• Experience on major port, marine or bulk materials handling projects.


• Professional accreditation through RICS, AIQS or equivalent.


• Experience supporting projects valued at more than $500 million.

What We Offer

Join Fremantle Ports and be part of a proud organisation with a rich history and culture that makes a significant contribution to the WA economy. Primarily based in Fremantle you’ll enjoy a unique workplace with stunning ocean views, rich heritage and striking architecture in the heart of the Victoria Quay precinct, which is currently undergoing exciting revitalisation.

• Free onsite parking and access to an onsite gym


• Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance


• Generous annual leave provisions


• Salary packaging benefits


• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities


• A comprehensive health, wellbeing and employee support program


• The opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of one of Western Australia's leading ports.

Get to Know Us

Fremantle Ports is a commercially successful Government Trading Enterprise and one of Western Australia’s most important trade gateways, facilitating more than $45 billion in trade each year. We are driven by our CARE values: Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence; guiding how we work, deliver results, and support our people and community. The KBT Redevelopment Project is a major project expanding our marine and landside facilities in Kwinana.

Closing Date: 29 /11/2026 at 5:00pm AWST.

Fremantle Ports is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture, underpinned by our Values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce by providing supportive pathways and development opportunities. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged.