Project Engineer / Contract Administrator - Pathway to Project Manager

Contec Recruitment; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Contec Recruitment is seeking an ambitious Project Engineer or site-based Contract Administrator in Brisbane's West End to progress into Project Management on a major apartment development.

Work with a Senior Project Manager and Site Manager through front-end design coordination, pre-construction, procurement and early delivery planning, before moving into construction phase mid-2027. This role offers a clear pathway to Project Management and exposure to design, procurement and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level qualification in Construction Management, Engineering or similar.
• Experience in design coordination and front-end delivery.
• Strong procurement exposure including scopes, tenders and subcontractor engagement.
• Proven ability to manage design documentation and coordination with consultants and architects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate design development and resolve buildability issues.
• Review drawings for coordination and constructability.
• Develop procurement scopes and packages; early procurement with key subcontractors.
• Manage RFIs and design documentation; tender analysis and subcontractor negotiations.
• Identify design, programme and commercial risks; support pre-construction coordination.
• Assist Senior PM with overall pre-construction coordination and delivery planning.

Skills

Design coordination

Procurement experience

RFIs handling

Stakeholder management

Construction knowledge

Communication skills

Tender negotiations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Job description

Project Engineer / Contract Administrator - Pathway to Project Manager

West End, Brisbane | Major Apartment Development | Pre-Construction to Delivery

An exceptional opportunity is available for an ambitious Project Engineer or site-based Contract Administrator looking to take the next step towards becoming a Project Manager.

Our client is a highly regarded Australian developer-builder with a significant pipeline of premium residential developments across South East Queensland.

They are preparing for the delivery of a major new apartment development in West End and are looking to appoint an experienced construction professional who can initially focus on the front-end, design coordination, pre-construction and early procurement activities before transitioning into the project delivery team.

West End, Brisbane | Major Apartment Development | Pre-Construction to Delivery

An exceptional opportunity is available for an ambitious Project Engineer or site-based Contract Administrator looking to take the next step towards becoming a Project Manager.

Our client is a highly regarded Australian developer-builder with a significant pipeline of premium residential developments across South East Queensland.

They are preparing for the delivery of a major new apartment development in West End and are looking to appoint an experienced construction professional who can initially focus on the front-end, design coordination, pre-construction and early procurement activities before transitioning into the project delivery team.

The Opportunity

This role has been specifically structured for someone who has strong technical and commercial foundations but wants broader project management responsibility.

Working closely with an experienced Senior Project Manager and Site Manager, you will become involved well before the main construction team mobilises, giving you valuable exposure to the decisions that shape the project before work commences on site.

Your initial responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating design development and resolving buildability issues
• Working closely with consultants, architects and the internal project team
• Managing RFIs and design documentation
• Reviewing drawings for coordination, constructability and completeness
• Assisting with construction methodology and planning
• Developing scopes and procurement packages
• Early procurement and engagement with key subcontractors
• Tender analysis and subcontractor negotiations
• Identifying design, programme and commercial risks
• Supporting early works and site establishment planningn
• Assisting the Senior Project Manager with overall pre-construction coordination
• Helping establish the systems, procurement strategy and delivery plan for the project

The full project team is expected to mobilise in mid-2027, at which point you will transition into the construction phase with significantly increased project management responsibility.

About You

This opportunity would ideally suit an ambitious Project Engineer or site-based Contract Administrator currently working for a recognised Tier 1, Tier 2 or established Tier 3 principal contractor or developer-builder.

You will have previous experience on medium to high-rise apartment developments and, importantly, have genuine exposure to design management and coordination.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience delivering medium to high-rise apartment projects
• Previous experience with a principal contractor or established developer-builder
• Strong exposure to design coordination and documentation
• An understanding of buildability and construction methodology
• Experience working closely with consultants and subcontractors
• Exposure to procurement, scopes, tendering and subcontractor engagement
• Strong technical construction knowledge
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A Bachelor of Construction Management, Engineering or similar qualification
• Strong employment tenure and excellent professional references
• A genuine ambition to progress into Project Management

You don't necessarily need to have held the title of Project Manager before. More important is your technical capability, understanding of apartment construction and the potential to take increasing ownership of the project.

Why This Role?

For someone wanting to become a Project Manager, this is a rare opportunity to become involved before the project reaches site rather than inheriting a project once all the important front-end decisions have already been made.

You will gain exposure to the complete process — design development, pre-construction, procurement, mobilisation and ultimately construction delivery.

You will also benefit from:

• Direct support and mentoring from an experienced Senior Project Manager
• Working alongside an experienced Site Manager
• A defined pathway towards Project Management
• Exposure to the front-end of a major apartment development
• Genuine ownership of design coordination and early procurement
• Joining the project before the wider team mobilises in mid-2027
• A highly regarded developer-builder with a substantial future pipeline
• Long-term career development across future residential projects

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious PE or CA who feels ready for greater responsibility and wants to develop into a well-rounded Project Manager capable of managing a project from pre-construction through to completion.