Commercial Manager - Finance

Sydney Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellbeing support

Private health insurance

Parental leave

Fitness Passport

Novated leasing

Job summary

Sydney Water is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to embed within its capital projects, driving commercial outcomes, evaluating options, and building robust financial models. You will partner with Infrastructure Delivery, Planning, Finance, Legal, Procurement and Regulatory teams from early shaping through contract execution.

The role demands strong negotiation skills, deep understanding of utilities, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders to drive project success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in commercial roles within large organisations, infrastructure advisory, investment banking, or corporate advisory.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to identify opportunities, develop strategies and negotiate complex arrangements.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing senior decision-makers.
• In-depth understanding of external factors affecting large utilities, including political, economic, regulatory and commercial influences.

Responsibilities

• Act as embedded commercial support on complex projects - owning commercial objectives and outcomes, and managing relationships with stakeholders.
• Manage and develop financial models (including operating drivers) and presentations to assess complex commercial propositions, including regulatory, tax and other business case specific implications.
• Identify and facilitate improvement opportunities to deliver better commercial outcomes for Sydney Water.
• Develop appropriate commercial and negotiation strategies to address potential risks to support successful commercial outcomes and project delivery.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop strategic options for assessment and informed decision making.
• Develop robust business cases that maximise value and minimise risks for Sydney Water considering external factors.
• Develop term sheets and contract documents in consultation with the legal team to ensure alignment and informed decision making.
• Contribute to board and executive papers to support decision making.

Skills

Embedded commercial support

Financial modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Contract negotiation

Project valuation

Regulatory understanding

Job description

• An exciting opportunity to be a part of Sydney Water's Finance Team
• Generous salary package + benefits on offer
• Join our growing team to deliver essential services for a sustainable and prosperous water future

About the Role

As a Commercial Manager, you will work as an embedded commercial support on Sydney Water's major capital projects, complex contracts and developer agreements. You will evaluate options, build and assess financial models, structure commercial positions, and support negotiations that protect Sydney Water's interests and improve project outcomes. You will work closely with Infrastructure Delivery, Planning, Finance, Legal, Procurement and Regulatory teams from early project shaping through to contract execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as embedded commercial support on complex projects - owning commercial objectives and outcomes, and managing relationships with stakeholders.
• Manage and develop financial models (including operating drivers) and presentations to assess complex commercial propositions, including regulatory, tax and other business case specific implications.
• Identify and facilitate improvement opportunities to deliver better commercial outcomes for Sydney Water.
• Develop appropriate commercial and negotiation strategies to address potential risks to support successful commercial outcomes and project delivery.
• Collaborate and liaise with key stakeholders both internal and external to Sydney Water to develop strategic options for assessment and provide recommendations for informed decision making.
• Develop robust business cases that maximise value and minimise risks for Sydney Water taking into consideration of external factors that could impact Sydney Water’s ability to deliver outcomes.
• Develop term sheets and contract documents in consultation with the legal team and other critical stakeholders to ensure alignment and support informed decision making.
• Contribute to board and executive papers to support decision making.

About You

• Minimum 8 years' experience in commercial roles within large organisations, infrastructure advisory, investment banking, or corporate advisory.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to identify opportunities, develop strategies, and negotiate complex arrangements.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing senior decision-makers to drive outcomes.
• In-depth understanding of external factors affecting large utilities, including political, economic, regulatory, and commercial influences.
• Demonstrated expertise in deal transactions, due diligence, negotiation strategy, project valuation, and cash flow modelling.
• Skilled in developing financial models that incorporate operational, regulatory, and tax considerations.
• Deep understanding of financial and commercial drivers behind business cases and projects.
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented, with a strong alignment to team and organisational objectives.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Promotes innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, encouraging others to turn ideas into actionable outcomes.

Why our team like working at Sydney Water:

• Huge multi-billion-dollar program of work which shapes Australia's busiest and largest city. It's rewarding!
• Positive team culture which celebrates wins and binds together to face challenges (have we told you were the No.1 company in Australia for graduates!)
• Flexible working arrangements, to give you fair work/life balance.
• We want your perspective and ideas to help us find better ways to delight our customers, so we encourage you to apply no matter your age, gender, or culture.
• Be part of a committed, highly skilled team who'll appreciate what you bring to the table. You'll set and achieve real goals and make decisions that matter, as together we help shape the lifestyle of greater Sydney.

Dive into Our Great Benefits!

• Competitive Remuneration:We'll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately.
• Hybrid Work Environment:We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being.
• Continuous Professional Growth:We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support:Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal.
• Subsidised Private Health Insurance:Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans.
• Family First:Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a generous childcare allowance.
• Fitness Passport:Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW.
• Novated Leasing:Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options.

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. Your personal information may also be used to establish a Dayforce talent profile.
Your personal information will be collected in accordance with Dayforce's Terms and Privacy Policy and Sydney Water's Privacy Collection Statement- recruitment. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which include a criminal history check.

You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role.

Application close date: Tuesday the 27th of October 2026 11:59pm

If you require further information regarding this vacancy, please email [e-mail]

Please see the job profile for the role's full accountabilities.