Commercial Lead

Whittens; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30% site uplift

Paid Parental Leave

Permanent long-term opportunity

Novated Lease options

Employee Assistance programme

Employee referral scheme

Job summary

Whittens in Australia is seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to join our expanding Commercial team on large-scale civil construction projects. You will drive procurement, contract administration, cost control and commercial reporting to support project forecasts and profitability.

This role requires a decade of relevant experience, strong contracts knowledge, advanced forecasting and excellent stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in commercial management, contract administration or project controls in construction or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, claims handling, variations, EOTs, and subcontractor arrangements.
• Excellent commercial acumen with negotiation and written communication skills.
• Advanced forecasting, cost management and financial reporting capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier and subcontractor procurement, engagement and commercial administration with risk allocation and contract formation.
• Oversee project cost control and commercial reporting, including forecasts, cost-to-complete and cash flow.
• Collaborate with project managers and finance to align contractual positions with forecasts.
• Oversee monthly progress claims, ensuring accuracy and contractual entitlement support.
• Review project outcomes against tender pricing and original assumptions.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract administration

Negotiation

Forecasting/reporting

Stakeholder management

Job description

With over 25 years of experience across Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, Whittens is a family-owned national Australian civil construction contractor. We deliver both large-scale and technically complex FRP, concrete, earthworks and civil infrastructure projects for major mining and infrastructure clients. Built on strong relationships and a team-focused culture, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive and respectful workplace where our people can develop their skills and contribute to successful project outcomes.

Whittens is expanding its Commercial team due to an exciting pipeline of Projects across Australia. To support this growth, we are seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to work within the Commercial function assisting these projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage supplier and subcontractor procurement, engagement and commercial administration, ensuring appropriate risk allocation, contract formation, performance management and closeout discipline.
• Oversee project cost control and commercial reporting, including monthly forecasts, cost-to-complete analysis, cashflow forecasting, supplier liabilities and commercial risk registers.
• Work closely with project managers and finance to align contractual positions with project forecasts, cost-to-complete and cash flow.
• Oversee monthly progress claims, ensuring they are accurate, timely and supported by contractual entitlements.
• Review project outcomes against tender pricing and original assumptions.

With over 25 years of experience across Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, Whittens is a family-owned national Australian civil construction contractor. We deliver both large-scale and technically complex FRP, concrete, earthworks and civil infrastructure projects for major mining and infrastructure clients. Built on strong relationships and a team-focused culture, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive and respectful workplace where our people can develop their skills and contribute to successful project outcomes.

Whittens is expanding its Commercial team due to an exciting pipeline of Projects across Australia. To support this growth, we are seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to work within the Commercial function assisting these projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage supplier and subcontractor procurement, engagement and commercial administration, ensuring appropriate risk allocation, contract formation, performance management and closeout discipline.
• Oversee project cost control and commercial reporting, including monthly forecasts, cost-to-complete analysis, cashflow forecasting, supplier liabilities and commercial risk registers.
• Work closely with project managers and finance to align contractual positions with project forecasts, cost-to-complete and cash flow.
• Oversee monthly progress claims, ensuring they are accurate, timely and supported by contractual entitlements.
• Review project outcomes against tender pricing and original assumptions.

ABOUT YOU

• At least 10 years' experience in commercial management, contract administration, commercial finance or project controls within construction or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, claims management, variations, EOTs and subcontractor commercial arrangements.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation and written communication skills.
• Advanced forecasting, cost management and financial reporting skills.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary package plus 30% site uplift plus super paid weekly
• Work amongst engaged leaders and collaborative project teams
• Work in a culture driven by our “Keeping our mates safe” mantra
• Paid Parental Leave
• Permanent long-term opportunity
• Novated Lease options
• Be part of an iconic project
• Employee Assistance programme
• Employee referral scheme benefits