Contracts Administrator

Housing Industry Association Limited; New South Wales; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior role within a high-performing…

Exposure to major government and…

Influence commercial outcomes across a

Job summary

Housing Industry Association Limited is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the commercial and contractual management of major civil and piling projects across NSW. The role reports to the Director and focuses on ensuring contracts are commercially sound, risks are managed, and claims are administered effectively while meeting safety, environmental, and quality obligations.

This senior position requires strong commercial judgment, contract negotiation capability, and the ability to

Qualifications

• 3 years' experience in civil engineering or construction (piling experience preferred).
• Strong experience in contract administration, claims, and negotiations.
• Sound understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 standards.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contract documentation.

Responsibilities

• Review, negotiate, and manage contract terms and conditions during pre-contract and delivery phases.
• Brief project teams on contractual obligations prior to commencement.
• Manage contractual claims, including variations and extensions of time, in line with contract notice requirements.
• Ensure all commercial commitments are met, including insurances, bank guarantees, and compliance documentation.
• Coordinate contract execution, approvals, and close-out.
• Support negotiations with clients where contractual changes arise.
• Attend tender handover, pre-start, and close-out meetings.
• Monitor ongoing contract performance, issues, and change management.
• Provide guidance and support to project managers on contractual matters.
• Promote continuous improvement in contracting practices and procedures.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Claims management

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Education

Civil/Structural engineering background

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the commercial and contractual management of major civil and piling projects across NSW.

Reporting to the Director, this role is responsible for ensuring contracts are commercially sound, risks are managed, claims are administered effectively, and all contractual, safety, environmental, and quality obligations are met.

This is a senior role requiring strong commercial judgement, contract negotiation capability, and the ability to work closely with project, estimation, and site teams to protect the company’s commercial position while maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, negotiate, and manage contract terms and conditions during pre-contract and delivery phases
• Brief project teams on contractual obligations prior to commencement
• Manage contractual claims, including variations and extensions of time, in line with contract notice requirements
• Ensure all commercial commitments are met, including insurances, bank guarantees, and compliance documentation
• Coordinate contract execution, approvals, and close-out
• Support negotiations with clients where contractual changes arise
• Attend tender handover, pre-start, and close-out meetings
• Monitor ongoing contract performance, issues, and change management
• Provide guidance and support to project managers on contractual matters
• Promote continuous improvement in contracting practices and procedures

Commercial & Client Focus

• Protect and enhance the company’s commercial position across projects
• Maintain and develop relationships with government and private sector clients
• Monitor competitive contract terms and recommend improvements
• Support repeat business and long-term client relationships

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality

• Ensure full compliance with WHS, environmental, and quality systems
• Promote safe work practices and continuous improvement
• Identify and report hazards, incidents, and system improvement opportunities

About You

You are a commercially focused construction professional with strong experience managing contracts in a civil or piling environment.

You will bring:

• 3 years' experience in civil engineering or construction (piling experience preferred)
• Strong experience in contract administration, claims, and negotiations
• Sound understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 standards
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contract documentation
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook
• A practical, solutions-focused commercial mindset

What We Offer

• Senior role within a high-performing civil construction business
• Exposure to major government and private sector projects
• Opportunity to influence commercial outcomes across a $100M+ turnover organisation
• Competitive remuneration package aligned with experience