Head of Pre-Contracts

at; City of Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading essential services provider in Australia is seeking a Head of Pre-Contracts to lead the pre-contracts team across various utility sectors. This role involves strategic leadership, developing pre-contract strategies, and managing relationships with stakeholders to secure new contracts. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in commercial management within the utilities sector and a strong understanding of NEC4 contracts. The position is permanent, full-time, based in Brisbane or Melbourne.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in pre-contracts, tendering, or commercial management within the utilities or infrastructure sector.
• Proven track record in leading complex, multi-disciplinary bids and negotiations.
• Strong understanding of NEC4, alliance contracts, or similar contract forms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the pre-contracts team across all utility sectors.
• Develop and implement pre-contract strategies, bid processes, and tender governance frameworks.
• Coordinate technical, commercial, and legal reviews of proposals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Risk management

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

The position requires strategic leadership in commercial, technical, and risk management aspects, working closely with business development, engineering, legal, and finance departments to secure new contracts in line with the company’s growth objectives. The Head of Pre-Contracts ensures that all proposals reflect the company’s technical capabilities, financial goals, and operational standards, while maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, key stakeholders and pursuing growth and strategy opportunities.

Nature of Position

Permanent, Full Time

Location

Melbourne, VIC / Brisbane, QLD

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the pre-contracts team across all utility sectors (water, power, gas, industrials, and network services) including leading strategy and growth initiatives
• Develop and implement pre-contract strategies, bid processes, and tender governance frameworks
• Evaluate tender documentation, identify risks and opportunities, and ensure timely and high-quality submissions
• Coordinate technical, commercial, and legal reviews of proposals
• Negotiate terms and conditions with clients and subcontractors prior to contract award
• Work with estimation and planning teams to prepare accurate cost models, schedules, and resource plans
• Oversee transition from pre-contract to post-contract teams to ensure smooth project mobilization
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and performance management to the pre-contracts team
• Stay updated on market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes in the utilities sector

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• 10+ years of experience in pre-contracts, tendering, or commercial management within the utilities or infrastructure sector
• Proven track record in leading complex, multi-disciplinary bids and negotiations
• Strong understanding of NEC4, alliance contracts, collaborative contracts or similar contract forms
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills

About Us

Service Stream is an equal opportunity ASX-listed business that develops and operates Australia's essential services networks across telecommunications, utilities, transport, defence, and social infrastructure industries. Specialising in designing, constructing, and maintaining new and existing networks, we provide end-to-end engineering and asset management solutions for our blue‑chip client base. Committed to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, Service Stream actively promotes the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, LGBTQI individuals, and other diverse groups. As a signatory to the Veterans Employment Commitment, we also value the skills and experience of ex‑ADF members and their partners, strongly considering veterans who meet the key criteria for our employment opportunities.

Service Stream does not accept any unsolicited resume referrals from external Recruitment or Labour Hire Companies.