Contract Administrator

Design & Build Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Design & Build Recruitment is seeking an experienced Contract Administrator for a major infrastructure project in Regional NSW. The role covers upstream head contract management and downstream subcontract procurement, with accountability for variations, claims and commercial reporting.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in civil infrastructure, strong contractor-side experience, and proven negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Contract Administrator in civil construction or infrastructure.
• Strong contractor-side experience, ideally with a self-performing contractor.
• Experience managing upstream head contracts and downstream subcontract procurement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage upstream head contract administration including notices, claims, variations and EOTs.
• Manage downstream subcontract procurement: scope development, tendering, evaluation, negotiation and awards.
• Prepare, negotiate and administer subcontract agreements with clear commercial terms.
• Assess and manage subcontractor progress claims, variations and payment schedules.
• Prepare and manage upstream progress claims, variations and commercial submissions to the client.
• Monitor project costs, cash flow, variations and forecasts.
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities to maximise project outcomes.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers and site teams to support delivery.
• Maintain accurate commercial reporting and project documentation.

Skills

Contract administration

Upstream/downstream contract

Negotiation & stakeholder management

Autonomous worker

Job description

Major Infrastructure Project | Regional NSW | FIFO – 2:1 Roster (available from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne)

An opportunity is available for an experienced Contract Administrator to join a major infrastructure project in Regional NSW. We are seeking a commercially astute professional with a minimum of 5 years' experience working for a civil construction contractor, ideally within a self-performing business. You will play a key role in managing the project's commercial and contractual obligations, with responsibility across both downstream subcontract procurement and administration, as well as upstream head contract management.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage upstream head contract administration, including contractual notices, claims, variations, extensions of time (EOTs) and contractual entitlements.
• Manage downstream procurement of subcontract packages, including scope development, tendering, evaluation, negotiation and subcontract award.
• Prepare, negotiate and administer subcontract agreements, ensuring commercial terms and project requirements are clearly defined.
• Assess and manage subcontractor progress claims, variations and payment schedules.
• Prepare and manage upstream progress claims, variations and commercial submissions to the client.
• Monitor project costs, commitments, cash flow, variations and financial forecasts.
• Identify and manage commercial risks, contractual obligations and opportunities to maximise project outcomes.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers and site teams to support construction delivery.
• Maintain accurate commercial reporting, contractual correspondence and project documentation.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Contract Administrator role within the civil construction or infrastructure sector.
• Strong contractor-side experience, ideally with a self-performing civil contractor.
• Demonstrated experience managing both downstream subcontract procurement and upstream head contract administration.
• Strong understanding of head contracts, subcontract agreements, claims, variations, EOTs and commercial risk.
• Experience managing procurement, tender evaluations, negotiations and subcontractor relationships.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to identify and manage contractual entitlements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing to a broader project delivery team.

For any questions relating to this role or any other opportunities with D&B and our clients, please contact Nathan Halligan on 02 9376 8200 OR [e-mail]