Commercial Office Lead: Strategy To Execution

Rest Industry Super; Sydney; On-site; AUD 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Rest Industry Super is seeking a Commercial Director in Sydney to lead the commercial and contractual function across its major infrastructure projects in Australia. This senior role involves setting commercial strategy, governance, and risk management to optimise the organisation's position through the full project lifecycle.

You will work with executive leadership to drive pre- and post-contract delivery, manage complex negotiations, and develop high-performing commercial teams within a

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Law or related discipline.
• Extensive experience in commercial leadership roles within major infrastructure, utilities, or engineering projects.
• Strong expertise in contract law, commercial strategy, and risk management within EPC / D&C environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial and contractual strategy across a portfolio of major infrastructure projects.
• Oversee pre-contract activities including tender strategy, contract negotiation, and commercial structuring of major bids.
• Lead the negotiation of complex client contracts, joint ventures, and key subcontract agreements.
• Establish and implement robust commercial governance, controls, and reporting frameworks.
• Drive effective post-contract commercial management, including cost control, change management, and contract administration.
• Oversee claims strategy, including preparation, defence, and resolution of complex claims and disputes.
• Provide leadership in dispute avoidance and resolution, engaging with senior stakeholders and external advisors.
• Ensure effective management of contractual obligations and compliance across all projects.
• Identify and maximise commercial opportunities, including variations, efficiencies, and value engineering initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop commercial and contract management teams, building capability and succession.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Engineering / QS / Construction Management / Law

Job description

Commercial Director

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Job Description

Job Description

Overview:

Our client is a globally recognised international infrastructure and environmental services organisation delivering major engineering, water, and industrial infrastructure projects across Australia and internationally.

As part of continued growth across its major projects and engineering division, the business is seeking to appoint a Commercial Director to lead the commercial and contractual function across its operations in Sydney, wider Australia, and potentially New Zealand. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for setting and driving commercial strategy across a portfolio of complex design and construction programmes. The position will play a critical role in ensuring robust commercial governance, effective risk management, and the protection and optimisation of the organisation’s commercial position across the full project lifecycle.

The role offers the opportunity to operate at both a strategic and operational level, influencing senior stakeholders while leading and developing high‑performing commercial and contract management teams within a technically complex engineering environment.

Commercial Director will take overall responsibility for the commercial performance and contractual integrity of major infrastructure projects across the region.

Working closely with executive leadership, project directors, engineering teams, and legal functions, the role will lead both pre‑contract strategy and post‑contract delivery, ensuring alignment between commercial objectives and project execution.

This position will act as a key advisor to senior leadership, driving commercial best practice, strengthening governance frameworks, and supporting the successful delivery of major programmes across water and infrastructure sectors.

• Lead the commercial and contractual strategy across a portfolio of major infrastructure projects
• Provide executive-level guidance on commercial risk, opportunity, and overall project performance
• Oversee pre-contract activities including tender strategy, contract negotiation, and commercial structuring of major bids
• Lead the negotiation of complex client contracts, joint ventures, and key subcontract agreements
• Establish and implement robust commercial governance, controls, and reporting frameworks
• Drive effective post-contract commercial management, including cost control, change management, and contract administration
• Oversee claims strategy, including preparation, defence, and resolution of complex claims and disputes
• Provide leadership in dispute avoidance and resolution, including engagement with senior stakeholders and external advisors
• Ensure effective management of contractual obligations and compliance across all projects
• Identify and maximise commercial opportunities, including variations, efficiencies, and value engineering initiatives
• Lead, mentor, and develop commercial and contract management teams, building capability and succession within the business
• Act as a key interface with executive leadership, providing strategic insight into commercial performance and risk exposure
• Support business growth through input into new market opportunities, partnerships, and major project pursuits

Profile Required:

• Degree-qualified in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Law, or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in commercial leadership roles within major infrastructure, utilities, or engineering projects
• Proven track record in managing commercial functions across large, complex design & construction programmes
• Strong expertise in contract law, commercial strategy, and risk management within EPC / D&C environments
• Demonstrated experience in leading high-value contract negotiations and managing major claims and disputes
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing and developing commercial teams
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at executive and board level
• Highly strategic mindset combined with strong operational delivery capability
• Professional memberships (RICS, CIArb, etc.) or postgraduate qualifications in construction law or similar are advantageous
• Experience within water infrastructure or environmental services is highly desirable

What Sets This Opportunity Apart:

• Senior leadership role within a globally recognised infrastructure organisation
• Opportunity to shape and lead the commercial function across major projects in Australia
• Exposure to large-scale, technically complex water and environmental infrastructure programmes
• Strategic influence at executive level, with direct impact on business performance and growth
• Long-term career progression within a high-growth international platform