Contracts Manager

Hickory Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Novated Leases

Family-Friendly Policies

Employee Wellbeing

H-Perks Employee Rewards

Expert In-House Team

Job summary

Hickory Group in Sydney seeks an experienced Contracts Manager to lead head contract management and procurement for landmark NSW projects valued at hundreds of millions. You will guide commercial decisions, manage variations, and ensure timely payments while coordinating with legal and project teams.

With at least five years in commercial construction, you will negotiate complex contracts, implement risk registers, and drive cost forecasting and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role within commercial construction.
• Experience negotiating complex contracts with various stakeholders, including trade contractors, suppliers and clients.

Responsibilities

• Guide the project team on key commercial and contractual obligations, risks, and strategies.
• Establish and manage head contract controls including variation and EoT registers.
• Prepare and submit head contract payment claims and negotiate notifications and claims.
• Advise the Project Manager and team on contractual issues and draft required correspondence.
• Liaise with the Commercial Manager and Legal Team to ensure contract securities and insurance requirements.
• Develop and implement project procurement strategies; draft subcontract, supply, and consultancy agreements.
• Lead procurement including tendering, analysis, and recommendations.
• Manage subcontractor payments, variations, claims, and disputes with the Project Manager.
• Finalize subcontract agreements, including deeds of release, and maintain subcontractor management processes.
• Lead development and ongoing review of project risk and opportunity registers.
• Implement mitigation strategies to manage commercial and financial risks.
• Prepare and manage project cost forecasts, trade cost reporting, and cashflows.
• Monitor construction costs, progress, and productivity against forecasts.
• Collate, analyse, and present financial reports including variance and trend analysis.
• Actively participate in project reviews and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure subcontractor and consultant compliance with insurance requirements.
• Prepare and manage insurance claims, ensuring accurate records and timely resolution.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to direct reports and project team members.
• Foster a culture of commercial and contractual excellence.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor of Construction Management or equivalent

Job description

At Hickory, we don't believe instanding still, for over three decades we have continually invested inresearching and developing systems and products to improve the way we build.Our philosophy is 'Made for Life'- it's a commitment we honour, each day. Everythingwe do and everything we build is ‘Made for Life.' Whether it's refining ourpatented, prefabricated building products, developing more efficient andsustainable construction practices, or bringing expertise inhouse to supplycritical components, we always believe there is a better way. As a result,Hickory has become one of the most dynamic construction and property companiesin Australia.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Weare seekingContracts Managerto join our Sydney team, supporting thedelivery of a range ofnewly awarded landmark projects valued between $200million and $250 million. These significant developments will help shapeSydney's built environment while further strengthening Hickory's growingpresence in the NSW market. With a strong pipeline of work across multiplemajor projects, this is an excellent opportunity for driven professionals toplay a key role in the successful delivery of high-profile developments andcontribute to Hickory's continued growth in Sydney.

WHAT HICKORY CANOFFER

• Work-Life Balance:We target a 5-day work week to support a balanced and sustainable schedule.
• Novated Leases:Take advantage of novated leasing options to maximize your salary and enjoy tax savings on vehicle expenses.
• Family-Friendly Policies:Receive paid parental leave to support your family needs.
• Employee Wellbeing:Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for valuable support and resources.
• H-Perks Employee Rewards:Access exclusive discounts, cashback and everyday savings through our internal benefits platform.
• Expert In-House Team:Collaborate with our dedicated structures and facades team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

HeadContract Management

• Guide the project team on key commercial and contractual obligations, risks, and strategies.
• Establish and manage effective head contract controls including variation and EoT registers.
• Prepare and submit head contract payment claims and negotiate notifications and claims.
• Advise the Project Manager and team on contractual issues, drafting required correspondence.
• Liaise with the Commercial Manager and Legal Team to ensure compliance with contract securities and insurance requirements.

SubcontractProcurement & Administration

• Develop and implement project procurement strategies in line with business objectives.
• Draft subcontract, supply, and consultancy agreements, ensuring clear and compliant documentation.
• Lead the procurement process including tendering, analysis, and recommendations.
• Manage subcontractor payments, variations, claims, and disputes in collaboration with the Project Manager.
• Finalise subcontract agreements, including deeds of release, and maintain effective subcontractor management processes.

Risk& Opportunity Management

• Lead the development and ongoing review of project risk and opportunity registers.
• Implement mitigation strategies to manage commercial and financial risks.
• Prepare and manage project cost forecasts, trade cost reporting, and cashflows.
• Monitor construction costs, progress, and productivity, ensuring alignment with forecasts.
• Collate, analyse, and present financial reports including variance and trend analysis.
• Actively participate in project reviews and provide recommendations for improvement.

FinancialControls & Reporting

• Prepare and manage project cost forecasts, trade cost reporting, and cashflows.
• Monitor construction costs, progress, and productivity, ensuring alignment with forecasts.
• Collate, analyse, and present financial reports including variance and trend analysis.
• Actively participate in project reviews and provide recommendations for improvement.

Insurance

• Ensure subcontractor and consultant compliance with insurance requirements.
• Prepare and manage insurance claims, ensuring accurate records and timely resolution.

People &Leadership

• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to direct reports and project team members.
• Foster a culture of commercial and contractual excellence within the project team.

TO BE SUCCESSFULIN THE ROLE

• Bachelor of Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role within the commercial construction industry.
• Experience in large-scale construction projects.
• Experience in successfully negotiating complex contracts with a variety of stakeholders, including trade contractors, suppliers and clients.