Manager Contract Variations

Department of Transport and Planning; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria seeks a Manager, Contract Variations to oversee contract variations and commercial claims for the metropolitan train franchisee. You will assess claims against contracts, ensuring value for money for the State, while leading a team and coordinating with stakeholders.

The role requires a bachelor degree and substantial experience with high-volume variations, plus a track record in public transport projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering, commerce, law, finance or related discipline.
• Significant experience in managing high-volume contract variations/commercial claims for large strategic contracts.
• Commercial experience with major public transport infrastructure projects or railway operations desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the claims assessment program and commercial claims for the metro franchisee.
• Provide expert commercial advice and recommendations and secure approvals.
• Resolve complex issues and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Lead systems and processes for tracking claims and manage priorities.
• Provide leadership, support and people management to the team.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Critical thinking

Commercial acumen

Change management

People leadership

Education

Bachelor degree in engineering, commerce, law or finance

Tools

Contract management systems

Job description

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role

The Manager, Contract Variations oversees contract variations and commercial claims submitted by the metropolitan train franchisee, including claims arising Victoria’s Big Build and other asset and operational programs. The role ensures robust assessment of claims against contractual obligations, delivering value for money for the State.

Key responsibilities include managing the claims assessment program, providing expert commercial advice and recommendations, securing approvals, resolving complex issues, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. The role also oversees systems and processes for tracking claims, manages competing priorities, and provides effective leadership, support and people management to the team.

What we’re looking for

You’re someone who:

• Gains agreement to proposals and ideas by communicating effectively, engaging stakeholders and using strong relationships to achieve agreement and outcomes.
• Thinks critically and solves complex problems by evaluating problems from multiple perspectives and delivering effective solutions.
• Demonstrates strong business and commercial acumen, using financial, procurement and contractual knowledge to support sound decisions.
• Adapts and embraces change, recognising when different approaches are needed and bringing others with you to deliver better outcomes.
• Leads and develops people, setting clear expectations, fostering engagement and accountability, and recognising and supporting strong performance.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

• A Bachelor degree in engineering, commerce, law, finance or a related discipline (mandatory)
• Significant experience in managing high-volume contract variations/commercial claims in relation to large strategic franchise or service delivery contracts (mandatory)
• Commercial experience with major public transport infrastructure projects and/or railway operations (desirable)

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position. Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday, 16th October 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Claire Fazakerley, Associate Director Contract Variations and Financial Assurance, at [email protected] .

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy.

Important information

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