Contracts Manager

DCOH; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DCOH in Darwin is seeking a senior contracts manager to lead the full contract lifecycle for the Darwin Civic Centre Project. You will negotiate terms, manage risk, oversee head contracts and subcontracts, and ensure cost control and regulatory compliance across teams and stakeholders.

You will guide procurement strategies, supervise tendering, and drive performance reporting while delivering high-value outcomes for a complex construction programme.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Construction, Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in senior contracts management within construction.
• Experience in negotiation, procurement, risk management and cost control.
• Experience managing commercial risks, disputes and regulatory compliance.
• Proven leadership and team management on high-value projects.
• Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in JobPac, MS Office and project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead full contract lifecycle from tendering to finalisation.
• Advise on contract terms, variations, claims and compliance.
• Oversee head contracts and subcontracts administration.
• Develop contract management systems to monitor deliverables and performance.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with budgets and timelines.
• Manage subcontractor procurement, tender docs, evaluations and awards.
• Lead cost control through forecasts, budgets and commercial reporting.
• Manage variations, progress claims and final accounts.
• Identify and mitigate contractual and commercial risks.
• Resolve contractual matters in consultation with stakeholders.
• Prepare and review commercial reports and procurement updates.
• Coordinate with internal and external teams to support project delivery.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Cost control

Dispute resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction/Engineering

Tools

JobPac

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Who We Are

Established in 1987, DCOH is an experienced construction and development company operating across residential, commercial, hospitality and real estate sectors.

We have a strong track record delivering complex projects, including award winning work such as the Charles Darwin University Danala Education and Community Precinct, recognised with a 2025 National Master Builders Award of Excellence.

With operations in both the Northern Territory and Victoria, we deliver high quality projects with a clear focus on buildability, programme certainty and strong on-site execution.

Driven by a commitment to Building Better, DCOH combines experience, innovation and disciplined execution creating lasting value for our clients, partners and the communities we serve.

Who You Are

This Darwin-based role plays a critical role in managing procurement and contract administration for the Darwin Civic Centre Project. You will ensure contractual obligations are met, financial risks are mitigated, and procurement strategies align with project goals. Working closely with project teams, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and stakeholders, you will lead the negotiation, execution, and management of contracts while supporting cost control, compliance, and successful project outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Qualification in Construction, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior contracts management role within the construction industry
• Extensive experience in contract negotiation, administration, procurement, risk management, and cost control
• Demonstrated expertise managing commercial risks, contractual disputes, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Proven leadership and team management skills with a track record of delivering high-value projects
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Strong stakeholder management capabilities with the ability to build effective working relationships
• Proficiency in JobPac, Microsoft Office, and project management software
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

What You'll Do

• Lead the full contract lifecycle, from tendering and award through to execution and finalisation
• Provide advice on contract terms, variations, claims management, and contractual compliance requirements
• Oversee the administration of head contracts and subcontracts, ensuring contractual obligations are met
• Develop and implement contract management systems to monitor deliverables, compliance, and project performance
• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with project objectives, budgets, and timelines
• Manage subcontractor procurement activities, including tender documentation, evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards
• Lead cost control activities through the review of forecasts, cost plans, budget reports, and commercial performance
• Manage variations, progress claims, final accounts, and associated contractual documentation
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, commercial, and subcontractor-related risks
• Lead the resolution of contractual matters and disputes in consultation with relevant stakeholders
• Prepare and review commercial reports, procurement updates, and project performance information
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to support project delivery, cost control, quality, and compliance outcomes
• Monitor project performance against key deliverables, milestones, and commercial objectivesFoster collaborative relationships with project teams, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and stakeholders
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement while representing DCOH in accordance with the Code of Conduct