contracts specialist

HR Partners; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Local Authority Sydney seeks a Strategic Contract Specialist to develop and implement the organisation's contract management, procurement, and governance framework across infrastructure and operational portfolios.

Based in Sydney's Lower North Shore, you will guide contractor performance, optimise service delivery, and ensure value-for-money outcomes through effective supplier management and governance, while upholding safety and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic contract management and procurement.
• Ability to design governance frameworks and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Stakeholder engagement with executives and senior leaders.
• Proven track record in supplier performance management and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial, procurement, and contract management strategy to deliver value and governance.
• Provide expert advice to executives to support risk management decisions.
• Establish governance, audit, and compliance frameworks to ensure transparency.
• Lead supplier relationship management and contract reviews for continuous improvement.
• Oversee major contract performance, including forecasting and financial reporting.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Contract management

Governance frameworks

Supplier relationship management

Risk management

Lifecycle costing

Financial reporting

Leadership & mentoring

Job description

Our client is a dynamic, diverse, and future-focused local authority located in the heart of Sydney. With a strong focus on sustainability, they pride themselves on doing the right thing for their community and delivering excellent outcomes that make their local area a culturally rich place to work and live.

About the Role

Based in Sydney's Lower North Shore, the Strategic Contract Specialist will develop and implement the organisation's strategic contract management, procurement, and governance framework across its infrastructure and operational service portfolios.

Reporting to the Director of the Infrastructure division, you will provide strategic and operational guidance to drive contractor performance, optimise service delivery, and support long-term asset sustainability. You will ensure the organisation achieves community-focused, financially sustainable, and value-for-money outcomes through effective supplier management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the division’s commercial, procurement, and contract management strategy to deliver value for money, strong governance, and sustainable service outcomes.
• Provide expert commercial, contractual, and procurement advice to the Executive and senior leaders to support informed decision-making and risk management.
• Establish robust governance, audit, and compliance frameworks to ensure legislative compliance, transparency, and effective risk management.
• Lead strategic supplier relationship management, performance monitoring, and contract reviews to optimise outcomes and foster continuous improvement.
• Oversee the commercial performance of major contracts, including forecasting, lifecycle costing, and financial reporting, to achieve budget and operational objectives.
• Build organisational capability by mentoring and supporting staff in best-practice procurement, contract management, and commercial governance.
• Drive behavioural change and develop procurement and contract management process improvements within a highly regulated environment.
• Demonstrate visible leadership in safety, ensuring health, safety, and wellbeing principles are embedded across contract delivery.