Contract Manager – Fire Services | Full-time Permanent

ACT Government; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead the Fire Services stream across the ACT Government property portfolio. You will manage fire maintenance contracts, scope works, evaluate proposals and lead a small team to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and AS 1851.

You will engage with staff, contractors and clients to resolve issues and drive service improvements. Based in Canberra, you will monitor contractor performance, assess defects and risks, and provide expert advice

Qualifications

• Requires specialist trade qualification or equivalent experience in Fire Maintenance or Fire Protection.
• Knowledge of AS 1851 and routine service, inspection and maintenance of fire systems.
• Experience in procurement and contract management for building services.
• Ability to build relationships and lead a small team.
• Commitment to safety, compliance and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead fire maintenance contracts across ACT Government properties.
• Scope works, prepare technical and tender docs.
• Evaluate proposals and manage contractors to completion.
• Inspect ongoing works and monitor performance and risks.
• Drive continuous improvement in fire services delivery.

Skills

Fire maintenance expertise

AS 1851 knowledge

Procurement & contract management

Team leadership

Education

Specialist fire maintenance / fire protection qualification

Engineering / Architecture / Project Management qualification

Building degree

Contract management or WHS experience

Job description

Facilities Management delivers planned and reactive maintenance services across a diverse portfolio of ACT Government owned and managed properties. The Planned and Reactive Maintenance Team is organised into six specialist service streams, each led by a subject matter expert, and works closely with directorates, contractors and service providers to keep public buildings safe, compliant and fit for purpose.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead the Fire Services stream. You will manage fire maintenance contracts and programs across the ACT Government property portfolio, ensuring buildings remain compliant with fire safety legislation, AS 1851 and the National Construction Code.

Working in a fast‑paced operational environment, you will scope works with clients, develop technical and tender documentation, evaluate proposals, manage contractors through to completion and inspect work in progress. You will provide expert advice to staff, clients and contractors on fire protection systems and respond to urgent fire safety issues.

You will lead and develop a small team, monitor and report on contractor performance, compliance outcomes, defects and risks, and drive continuous improvement in how fire services are delivered.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who:

• Has specialist trade or technical experience in fire maintenance or fire protection services.
• Has a working knowledge of AS 1851 and the routine service, inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems.
• Has experience in procurement and contract management, ideally for building maintenance services.
• Can build positive relationships with clients, contractors and colleagues, and lead a team.

Is committed to safety, compliance, quality service delivery and continuous improvement.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/Other requirements:

• Hold a specialist trade qualification or technical experience/qualifications in Fire Maintenance or Fire Protection Services, a relevant professional qualification in Engineering, Architecture or Project Management, a relevant building degree, or extensive building, infrastructure, project or contract management experience.
• A working knowledge of applicable Australian Standards, including AS 1851, and the requirements for the routine service, inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.
• Asbestos awareness card or a willingness to obtain - Asbestos Awareness Training and evidence of completion delivered by a Registered Training Organisation is required before commencement, for further information refer to: Asbestos Awareness Training - WorkSafe ACT
• Hold or have the capacity to obtain Silica Awareness training.
• Hold a current driver’s licence (car).
• Qualifications in Procurement, Contract Management or Work Health and Safety are highly desirable.

Notes:

Selection will be based on application, interview and referee reports. An order of merit will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill future identical vacancies over the next 12 months. This position is based in an activity-based working (ABW) environment. Under ABW arrangements, officers will not have a designated workstation/desk.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal .