Rail Contracts Lead — Complex Projects & Commercial Strategy

UGL Pty Limited; Northern Beaches, North Shore; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

UGL Transport is seeking a Contracts Manager to provide contractual expertise across upcoming Rail Systems projects in Queensland and New South Wales. The role focuses on protecting the company’s commercial interests, enforcing contract compliance, and driving cost efficiencies across complex subcontractor arrangements.

You will negotiate terms, manage change, and support project teams with upstream and downstream contract administration.

Qualifications

• Tertiary educated in Engineering, Commerce/Business, Law, Quantity Surveying or Construction Management (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and the ability to interpret and apply contracts.
• Strong awareness in areas of cost management and contract law with experience in commercial negotiations.
• Knowledge of contract management principles including program financial management, risk, and performance reporting.
• Experience in lump sum D&C contracts is a must.

Responsibilities

• Lead scope of works planning to minimise gaps and maximise cost efficiencies.
• Prepare procurement strategies and identify subcontractors in alignment with the Project Procurement Plan.
• Maintain stakeholder relationships and monitor market conditions.
• Procure projects per approved strategy, ensuring full scope and best value within limits of authority.
• Negotiate subcontract and supplier terms and follow up to ensure execution.
• Provide commercial support during downstream contract negotiations and obtain necessary approvals.
• Maximise commercial benefit of subcontracts and manage contract changes.
• Ensure subcontractor payment claims are evaluated, certified and paid on time.
• Maintain cost forecasting for allocated subcontracts and escalate issues.
• Address contractual matters with subcontractors, negotiating variations, claims and EOTs.
• Provide advice on upstream contractual rights and obligations to project teams.
• Administer upstream contracts to protect UGL Transport rights and interests.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Contract interpretation

Cost management

Negotiation

Education

Engineering / Commerce / Law / QS / Construction Management

Job description

UGL Transport is seeking a Contracts Manager to provide contractual expertise across upcoming Rail Systems projects in Queensland and New South Wales. The role focuses on protecting the company’s commercial interests, enforcing contract compliance, and driving cost efficiencies across complex subcontractor arrangements.

You will negotiate terms, manage change, and support project teams with upstream and downstream contract administration.