Procurement & Contracts Manager

Downer; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 220,000 - 320,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure services provider is seeking a Procurement & Contracts Manager to oversee high-value procurement activities in the utilities sector. The role involves managing contracts for major infrastructure projects, developing procurement strategies, and leading subcontracting activities. Candidates should have proven experience in high-value procurement and exceptional negotiation skills. This contract role offers the chance to play a pivotal part in Australia's energy transition.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in high‑value procurement and contracts management for major infrastructure projects.
• Expertise in complex subcontracting, international supply chains, and long‑lead procurement.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage risk in high‑complexity environments.
• Ability to influence and negotiate with senior leadership.
• Credible leadership of cross-functional teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement and subcontracting activity for bids, tenders, and mobilisation.
• Develop procurement strategies, plans, and tender returnable.
• Source and contract subcontract packages across civil, electrical, and specialist disciplines.
• Manage international supply chains and long‑lead items.
• Negotiate contracts and prepare award recommendations for senior leadership.

Skills

High-value procurement

Contracts management

Complex subcontracting

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional leadership

Job description

Procurement & Contracts Manager, Energy & Utilities – Downer Group

About the Role

We are seeking a Procurement & Contracts Manager to lead high‑value, high‑complexity, and high‑risk procurement activities across major infrastructure projects ($500m‑$1bn+) in the utilities sector. With a focus on large‑scale transmission lines and substations capital works, this role is pivotal in shaping sourcing and contracting strategy during bids, tenders, and mobilisation phases. Reporting to the Sourcing & Contracting Director, you will drive procurement strategies, manage subcontract packages, and oversee international supply chains, specialised equipment, and long‑lead items. Your sharp commercial judgement and ability to influence and negotiate outcomes will ensure best‑for‑business results and successful project delivery.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead procurement and subcontracting activity for bids, tenders, and mobilisation.
• Develop procurement strategies, plans, and tender returnable.
• Source and contract subcontract packages across civil, electrical, and specialist disciplines.
• Manage international supply, specialised equipment, and long‑lead items.
• Negotiate contracts and prepare award recommendations for senior leadership.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience in high‑value procurement and contracts management for major infrastructure projects.
• Expertise in complex subcontracting, international supply chains, and long‑lead procurement.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage risk in high‑complexity environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Credibility to lead cross‑functional teams and external partners.

Why Downer

• Play a pivotal role in Australia's energy transition.
• Lead procurement for landmark projects in the utilities sector.
• Work with a team that values strategic foresight, innovation, and collaboration.

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans‑Tasman team, delivering services that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain critical assets across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our workforce includes in‑house engineering, technical specialists, OEM partners and skilled field crews. Downer Group embraces the diversity of our people and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

If interested, please click apply below.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Utilities

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