Contract Administrator

Mettle; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing support

Mentoring and development

Flexible work arrangements

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Mettle, a fast-growing Australian company delivering across construction, refurbishment, defence and fitout projects, is seeking a Contract Administrator to join our Sydney team.

You will manage the financial and contractual side of projects, collaborating with the Project Manager and site teams to keep every job financially sound. This role requires strong contract management, cost control and supplier relations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience delivering commercial construction projects in a contract administration role.
• Head contractor experience in commercial construction.
• Knowledge of head contracts and subcontractor agreements (AS4000/AS4902).
• Degree in Construction Management or Quantity Surveying.
• Experience using contract administration software, especially Jobpac.

Responsibilities

• Prepare procurement programs and purchasing schedules.
• Negotiate subcontract packages for competitive, reliable outcomes.
• Administer head and subcontractor agreements, including payment claims, variations and EOT.
• Monitor subcontractor insurance, licensing and statutory requirements.
• Manage project cash flow, cost control and forecasting.
• Provide regular commercial reporting on project costs.
• Flag commercial risks early and identify opportunities.
• Attend site meetings and manage project documentation.
• Maintain communication with subcontractors and project team.

Skills

Contract administration

Cost control

Negotiation

Subcontractor management

Financial reporting

Communication

Education

Construction Management degree

Quantity Surveying degree

Tools

Jobpac

MS Office

Job description

Mettle is a fast-growing Australian company that has built a reputation for excellence in construction, refurbishment, defence, and fitout projects.

Since 2015, we’ve expanded into multiple locations along the east coast of Australia and continue to grow sustainably. We’re all about "Good People Doing Good Things Together.”

This mantra underpins everything we do, including creating a work environment that fosters teamwork, collaboration and shared success. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional results and our culture is underpinned by values like accountability, curiosity and authenticity.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Contract Administrator to join our Sydney team.

You will manage the financial and contractual side of our projects, working closely with the Project Manager and site team to keep each job commercially sound. That includes negotiating and administering subcontractor agreements, processing payment claims and variations, and keeping cash flow positive from procurement through to final account.

As a key point of contact for subcontractors and suppliers, you'll make sure commercial issues are resolved quickly and the project stays on budget throughout delivery.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

You’ll be responsible for managing key contract and commercial functions throughout the project lifecycle, including:

• Preparing and maintaining procurement programs and purchasing schedules
• Negotiating subcontract packages to secure competitive, reliable outcomes
• Administering head and subcontractor agreements, including payment claims, variations and extension of time (EOT) claims
• Monitoring subcontractor compliance with insurance, licensing and statutory requirements
• Managing project cash flow, cost control and forecasting to keep projects financially sound
• Monitoring and reporting on project costs through regular commercial reporting
• Flagging commercial risks early and finding ways to turn them into opportunities for the project
• Attending site meetings and managing project documentation, including drawings and revisions
• Keeping communication open and relationships strong across subcontractors, consultants and the wider project team

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

You are a detail-oriented construction professional with a solid understanding of how projects operate both on site and commercially. You will also bring:

• 5+ years' experience delivering commercial construction projects in a contract administration role
• Head contractor experience in commercial construction
• Sound understanding of head contracts and subcontractor agreements, including standard form contracts such as AS4000 or AS4902, and cost control processes
• Degree-qualified in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
• Experience using contract administration software, with Jobpac experience highly regarded
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build relationships across teams
• A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and risk management
• Current driver's licence and White Card

WHY JOIN US?

At Mettle, we’re not just building projects — we’re building the future. We invest in people because strength begins with those who live our values every day.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• A purpose-led culture where integrity, care and collaboration guide everything we do
• Meaningful wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programs and exclusive benefits
• Commitment to continuous learning with mentoring and development opportunities
• An inclusive and flexible workplace where you can be your authentic self

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected and valued. We encourage applications from all backgrounds including women and First Nations people. Flexible work arrangements are supported and we strive to minimise our environmental impact.