Contracts Manager

CMC; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CMC is a 100% privately owned, Queensland-based Tier 2 civil contractor seeking a Contracts Manager to shape the contract management function across civil infrastructure projects. You will lead a team of Contract Administrators, review head contracts and manage commercial risks, variations and disputes, while building systems and governance for growth.

Reporting to the Executive Manager, you’ll influence how we operate, connect functions across the business and drive lasting commercial

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial and contractual leadership across CMC's portfolio of civil infrastructure projects, supporting Project Managers and operational teams to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Review, negotiate and manage head contracts, subcontracts and commercial agreements, ensuring contractual obligations are understood and effectively administered.
• Lead the assessment and management of commercial risks, claims, variations, extensions of time and dispute resolution activities.
• Support tender and procurement activities by identifying commercial risks, reviewing contract conditions and contributing to negotiation strategies.
• Monitor project commercial performance, provide guidance on financial and contractual matters, and identify opportunities to improve project profitability and minimise exposure.
• Develop and implement commercial governance frameworks, systems and processes that promote consistency, compliance and best‑practice contract management.
• Prepare and present commercial reports, risk assessments and recommendations to senior leaders and key stakeholders, and
• Mentor and support project‑based commercial personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and commercial awareness across the business.

Job description

CMC is a 100% privately owned, Queensland-based Tier 2 civil contractor with over 22 years of experience delivering major civil and mining infrastructure projects across Queensland and NSW.

Built on strong client relationships, repeat business and a reputation for quality delivery, we're entering a significant phase of growth, supported by a strong pipeline of secured projects.

We combine the capability and foundations of an established contractor with the agility of a business that continues to evolve. Our approachable leadership team, collaborative culture and practical approach mean ideas are valued, expertise is recognised, and people have the opportunity to make a genuine difference.

The Opportunity

“We're looking for more than an experienced Contracts Manager. We're looking for someone who wants to help shape how CMC manages commercial risk, strengthens project performance and builds capability for the future”.

This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to take ownership of CMC's contracts management function, building on established foundations while developing the systems, processes and capability to support our next stage of growth.

Reporting to an Executive Manager and working closely with our senior leadership and project teams, you'll have the autonomy and support to influence how we operate, connect functions across the business and turn your expertise into lasting improvements.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll lead an established team of Contract Administrators while remaining hands‑on in complex contractual matters.

• Provide commercial and contractual leadership across CMC's portfolio of civil infrastructure projects, supporting Project Managers and operational teams to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Review, negotiate and manage head contracts, subcontracts and commercial agreements, ensuring contractual obligations are understood and effectively administered.
• Lead the assessment and management of commercial risks, claims, variations, extensions of time and dispute resolution activities.
• Support tender and procurement activities by identifying commercial risks, reviewing contract conditions and contributing to negotiation strategies.
• Monitor project commercial performance, provide guidance on financial and contractual matters, and identify opportunities to improve project profitability and minimise exposure.
• Develop and implement commercial governance frameworks, systems and processes that promote consistency, compliance and best‑practice contract management.
• Prepare and present commercial reports, risk assessments and recommendations to senior leaders and key stakeholders, and
• Mentor and support project‑based commercial personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and commercial awareness across the business.

About You

You're an accomplished Contracts or Commercial Manager who brings strong technical expertise, sound commercial judgement and the confidence to influence outcomes.

Importantly, you're someone who enjoys improving how businesses operate and can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.

You’ll bring:

• Extensive contracts management experience within civil construction, infrastructure or a comparable project environment.
• Strong expertise in contract negotiations, claims, commercial risk, variations and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing systems, processes and commercial improvements.
• The ability to engage, influence and build productive relationships with executives, project leaders and stakeholders.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with the initiative to identify opportunities and drive outcomes.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent substantial industry experience.

“Above all, you're someone who can connect the dots, bring people together and translate experience into meaningful improvements”.

Why Join CMC?

Genuine ownership and influence by taking the lead in a newly established function, with the executive support to implement meaningful improvements and shape how we operate.

Be part of our growth by joining a respected, established contractor at an important stage of its development, with a strong project pipeline and increasing opportunities to contribute.

A collaborative, agile environment by working alongside approachable leaders in a business that values initiative, practical thinking and collaboration over unnecessary hierarchy.

A place where your contribution matters within a professional, hardworking team where people know your name, recognise your expertise and value the difference you make.

Reward and long-term opportunity and enjoy a competitive senior-level remuneration, an industry-leading incentivised employee loyalty program and the opportunity to grow with the business.

At CMC, we celebrate diversity in all its forms and believe it makes us stronger. We warmly welcome people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and identities to apply and join us in building an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Please note, you will need to be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or have a current valid visa allowing you the right to work in Australia to apply for this position.

Recruitment Agencies: CMC manages all recruitment activity internally in the first instance. Where external support is required, engagement will be coordinated directly