Contracts Administrator

John Holland Group; Cootamundra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Parental leave

Career development

Iconic projects

Wellbeing

Job summary

John Holland Group is recruiting a Contracts Administrator for the Inland Rail project based in Cootamundra. You will assess and process payment claims, variations, and extension of time requests, working with engineers, procurement, and subcontractors to deliver the project.

The role requires strong commercial acumen, experience on rail or heavy industrial sites, and the ability to manage multiple priorities on a 2:1 roster.

Qualifications

• Experience in contract administration, procurement, or commercial project support.
• Strong understanding of contract terms, cost control, and project reporting.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with project cost systems and commercial reporting (preferred).
• 2–3 years’ experience in a Construction or Heavy Industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare scopes of work, tender packages, and manage subcontract procurement and negotiations.
• Maintain project cost controls, contract registers, and reporting systems.
• Manage subcontractor performance, compliance, and variation claims.
• Monitor project costs, forecast expenditure, and report risks or cost issues.
• Interpret project specifications and contracts to ensure accurate delivery of works.
• Support commercial reporting, progress claims, and general project administration in line with company processes and procedures.

Skills

Contract administration

Procurement

Commercial reporting

Cost control

Communication skills

Prioritization

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

We’re all about transforming lives by finding solutions to complex challenges across a wide range of industries including infrastructure, property, rail, building and water projects in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

From the epic, to the intimate, everything we do improves life for someone, somewhere. It gives our business momentum and means we approach things a little differently.

While our competitors talk about what they do, we focus on why we do it. We transform communities to make them easier to move around, more connected and better to live in.

Are you up for the challenge?

About Inland Rail

Inland Rail is transforming how goods are moved around Australia, connecting Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. This 1,700km fast freight backbone will complete our national freight network – better connecting producers to markets and creating new opportunities for regional businesses, industries and communities.

The Illabo to Stockinbingal project is about 39km of new rail corridor located within the local government areas of Junee and Cootamundra-Gundagai. This new section of rail corridor will provide a direct route from east of Illabo, tracking north to Stockinbingal and connecting into the existing Forbes rail line.

We currently have a Contracts Administrator position available on our I2S Project. We are looking for someone who possesses a strong commercial acumen and has project based experience.

This role is a 2:1 Roster based on site in Cootamundra (with a project allowance).

What is needed?

Reporting to the Commercial Manager your key responsibility will be the assessment and processing of payment claims, variations and extension of time requests in compliance with John Holland processes and procedures.

This permanent full time opportunity will see you work collaboratively with Engineers, Procurement, and Subcontractors to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

Additional roles and responsibilities

• Prepare scopes of work, tender packages, and manage subcontract procurement and negotiations.
• Maintain project cost controls, contract registers, and reporting systems.
• Manage subcontractor performance, compliance, and variation claims.
• Monitor project costs, forecast expenditure, and report risks or cost issues.
• Interpret project specifications and contracts to ensure accurate delivery of works.
• Support commercial reporting, progress claims, and general project administration in line with company processes and procedures.

About You:

• Experience in contract administration, procurement, or commercial project support.
• Strong understanding of contract terms, cost control, and project reporting.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and problem-solving capability.
• Familiarity with project cost systems and commercial reporting (preferred).

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• Strong data processing skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint
• Strong communication skills
• A can-do attitude with a willingness to learn and work in a fast-paced environment
• 2-3 years’ experience in a Construction or Heavy Industrial environment

About you:

• Experience on complex Rail/Infrastructure projects
• Willing to DIDO
• Or, willing to relocate yourself within an hour’s commute of Cootamundra/Stockinbingal.
• Be open to working a 2:1 roster (2 weeks on / 1 week off)

Some of the benefits of the role include:

• Joining an established and successful business operating throughout Australia and New Zealand
• Being part of a high performing team of committed and talented experts
• John Holland is ‘people first’ company we will work on the development of your career and also provide a very competitive salary package and employee benefits program

We’re about connecting your sense of purpose to ours. We understand that your career is one of the biggest ways to have an impact on the world. We also believe in supporting you as a whole person, not just an employee.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits, including salary continuance and salary sacrifice options.
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave, including 18 weeks paid parental leave.
• Career development through technical, leadership and emerging talent programs.
• Opportunities to work on some of Australia's most iconic projects.
• A diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong.
• Wellbeing support and benefits designed to help you thrive.

With expertise spanning engineering, construction and operations, we're delivering the projects and services that keep communities moving. From rail, roads and bridges to hospitals and stadiums, we've helped shape Australia through iconic projects. You'll even see us operating buses, trains and trams.

Be part of a team that's up for the challenge of transforming lives.