Contracts Manager

AE Smith SA; Sydney; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AE Smith in Sydney (Artarmon) is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager or Contracts Manager for a 12-month fixed-term maternity leave contract. You will work with the Head of Commercial to develop strategies, strengthen contract management and protect the organisation’s contractual and financial interests.

This is a senior role offering an opportunity to transition to permanent employment; you will review terms, negotiate with clients and subcontractors, mentor team members and drive

Qualifications

• At least four years’ senior commercial or contract management experience.
• Tertiary qualification in commercial management, law or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of the Australian construction market.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating head contracts and subcontract agreements.
• Experience preparing and managing contractual claims and notices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial advice across head contracts, projects and service agreements.
• Review and negotiate contract terms with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Prepare and review contractual notices, time claims, cost claims and supporting documentation.
• Manage contract administration, claims, disputes and commercial risk.
• Develop commercial strategies that protect entitlements and support business objectives.
• Implement project performance measures and commercial controls.
• Monitor budgets, expenditure and financial performance.
• Identify commercial risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with internal and external legal advisers as required.
• Build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Mentor team members and strengthen commercial capability across the business.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and commercial outcomes.
• Promote a proactive safety culture and model responsible workplace behaviours.

Skills

Contract management

Contract negotiation

Financial analysis

Australian construction market

Stakeholder influence

Education

Commercial management degree

Law degree (advantage)

Job description

12 month Fixed Term maternity leave contract

Sydney Based (Artarmon)

AE Smith:

We are returning to our roots. Since 2023 AE Smith is a privately owned business once more, and its an understatement to say we have gone through a bit of a transition period. We are still the same organisation that has operated for over 120 years as an Australian industry leader in HVAC, building services and electrical markets, but we have a renewed approach to the way we work and operate. As asset specialists, we understand our #1 asset is our people. We’re proud of our team’s depth and breadth of experience and with over 600 of us united in our work and our brands, it’s unsurprising our average employee tenure is market leading, but we are always keen on adding new faces to our team.

The opportunity

AE Smith is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager OR Contracts Manager to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave. This role has an opportunity for Permanent Employment after the duration of the contract.

Working closely with the Head of Commercial and senior business leaders, you will develop and implement effective commercial strategies, strengthen contract management practices and protect the organisation’s contractual and financial interests.

This is an opportunity for a commercially astute professional who combines strong contract expertise with sound judgement, influential communication skills and a collaborative approach.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide commercial advice across head contracts, projects and service agreements
• Review and negotiate contract terms with clients, suppliers and subcontractors
• Prepare and review contractual notices, time claims, cost claims and supporting documentation
• Manage contract administration, claims, disputes and commercial risk
• Develop commercial strategies that protect contractual entitlements and support business objectives
• Implement project performance measures and commercial controls
• Monitor budgets, expenditure and financial performance
• Identify commercial risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies
• Coordinate with internal and external legal advisers as required
• Build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and internal stakeholders
• Mentor team members and strengthen commercial capability across the business
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and commercial outcomes
• Promote a proactive safety culture and model responsible workplace behaviours

About you

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• At least four years’ senior commercial or contract management experience in a comparable environment
• A tertiary qualification in commercial management, law or a related discipline
• Strong knowledge of the Australian construction market and common forms of contract
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating head contracts and subcontract agreements
• Experience preparing and managing contractual claims and notices
• A strong record of resolving commercial issues while minimising formal disputes and litigation
• Well-developed commercial awareness and financial acumen
• Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving capabilitiesExcellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to influence and build trusted relationships at all levels
• A collaborative, ethical and solutions-focused approach

Postgraduate qualifications or a law degree will be highly regarded.

Why Us?

This role offers the opportunity to influence commercial outcomes across a diverse portfolio of technical services projects while working closely with operational, financial and leadership teams.

If you are an experienced commercial professional who can balance risk, relationships and results, we would like to hear from you.

• Step into a senior commercial leadership role within a Tier 1 contracting environment
• Gain valuable experience leading the commercial function during a defined 12-month maternity leave contract
• Work across major blue-chip client contracts and large-scale, complex project portfolios
• Gain exposure to high-profile and iconic projects across Australia
• Influence commercial strategy, risk management and contract outcomes at a senior level
• Partner with executive leaders, clients, legal advisers and key project stakeholders
• Strengthen your experience in complex contract negotiations, claims and dispute management
• Build a strong track record within a respected and established technical services business
• Make an immediate and visible impact while broadening your senior leadership experience