Contract Manager

Clarence Valley Council; South Grafton; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex time

Fitness Passport

Leadership programs

Study assistance

Internal secondments

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Long service leave

Job summary

Clarence Valley Council is seeking a proactive Contract Manager to support the waste services portfolio in NSW. You will manage contracts, evaluate performance, and lead procurement to ensure compliant, cost-effective services for the community.

The role requires commercial acumen, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to balance governance with service delivery. Local government experience is valued, and the position is based in the Clarence Valley region.

Qualifications

• Experience in contract management, procurement, or commercial roles.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities across operational and governance needs.
• Balance compliance, commercial outcomes, and service delivery.
• Initiative, sound judgement, and results-focused mindset.
• Waste or local government experience valued but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage waste service contracts to deliver performance, compliance, and value.
• Provide contract management and commercial advice for decisions.
• Lead procurement processes including tenders, evaluations, and negotiations.
• Work with contractors to drive accountability and service outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies, WHS and environmental rules.
• Monitor budgets, risks, timelines, and service quality.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities across services and contracts.

Skills

Contract management

Procurement

Commercial skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Prioritisation

Job description

Working at Clarence Valley Council

Our goal is simple. We want Clarence Valley to be a community full of opportunity. We know that starts with our people.

Located in the heart of the Northern Rivers, the Clarence Valley is a special place to call home. With over 100km of stunning beaches, national parks and 60 unique towns and villages to enjoy, we’ve got a massive backyard to look after.

As one of the region’s largest employers, we provide the job security and career opportunities of a large organisation, with the warmth and connection of a local team.

We’re currently working on some big plans to make the Valley even better by 2036, and we need people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and be a part of something truly important.

Your opportunity

We’re seeking a proactive and commercially minded Contract Manager to support the delivery of Council’s waste services portfolio, including regional landfill operations, transfer stations, and domestic waste collection.

Reporting to the Waste & Sustainability Manager, you’ll play a key role in managing contracts, procurement, and service performance, ensuring services are compliant, cost-effective, and delivering strong outcomes for the community. You’ll work across a diverse portfolio, with the opportunity to apply both commercial thinking and public sector governance to improve how services are delivered.

What you’ll be doing

• Manage waste service contracts to deliver strong performance, compliance, and value for money
• Provide contract management and commercial advice to support informed decision‑making
• Lead procurement processes including tenders, evaluations, contract negotiations, and administration
• Work closely with contractors to drive accountability, performance, and service outcomes
• Ensure compliance with legislation, Council policies, WHS, and environmental requirements
• Monitor and manage budgets, risks, timelines, and service quality
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities across services and contracts

We’re open to candidates from local government, waste services, infrastructure, utilities, or other contract‑driven environments.

What you’ll bring

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Experience in contract management, procurement, or commercial roles
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work across operational and governance requirements
• A practical mindset, with the ability to balance compliance, commercial outcomes, and service delivery
• Initiative, sound judgement, and a focus on achieving results
• Experience in waste or local government is valued, but not essential—we’re equally interested in transferable experience and the right capability.

Applications close at 11:30pm Tuesday 10 November 2026

Other important information

All successful candidates will be required to undertake a drug and alcohol screening and a pre‑employment medical check may be required.

This position is located at Council's Grafton Office, however, this may change should business needs identify other work locations to be more appropriate to deliver our services in the future.

At Clarence Valley Council, we believe our diversity is our strength. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, veterans, and individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.

Why our team chooses Clarence Valley Council

• See the tangible results of your efforts in the streets, parks and infrastructure used by you and your loved ones every day.
• We invest in your potential through leadership programs, internal secondments and specialised training to keep your career moving forward.
• We empower you to lead a fulfilling life where family comes first - backed by a culture that genuinely respects your time.

We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between an impactful career and a relaxed, coastal lifestyle. That’s why we provide plenty of rewarding benefits so you can enjoy work and play in equal measure.

You’ll also be rewarded with a range of benefits

• Our popular flex time offering gives you more time to spend with the people who matter most.
• Our Fitness Passport program provides discounted gym and pool access, not just for you, but for your entire household.
• Leadership programs, study assistance, internal secondments and on‑the‑job training to invest in your potential.
• Your wellbeing is always a priority - we have a zero‑harm commitment, and you can access 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Long service leave after 5 years employment.