Senior Contract Administrator

JV Recruitment Pty; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

JV Recruitment Pty in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Contract Administrator for a 12-month engagement with a salary of $120,000–$150,000 depending on experience. The role is based in Glen Waverley, with a strong view to permanence after the initial term.

Your first major assignment involves the commercial ownership of a $15M multi-storey retail development in Ringwood. You will lead procurement, negotiate terms, manage variations and payments, and support a growing project pipeline.

Qualifications

• Proven track record as Senior Contract Administrator, Senior Contract Manager, or Junior Project Manager within Australian commercial construction.
• Experience managing major commercial developments (multi-storey with basements and structural packages is a plus).
• Proven expertise in subcontractor procurement, contract negotiation, and end-to-end financial/progress claim management.
• Strong numerical, analytical and negotiation capabilities with keen commercial acumen.
• Deep understanding of head contracts, subcontract agreements, security of payment legislation, and Australian construction standards.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with subcontractors, site management and clients.
• High-level proficiency in construction financial software and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end contract administration and commercial management for projects up to $15M+.
• Procure, negotiate, and finalise subcontractor agreements, trade packages and supply contracts.
• Assess, process and certify progress claims, variations and subcontractor payments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trade contractors, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Monitor budgets, cost-to-complete reporting, cash flow projections and financial variations.
• Identify commercial risks, scope gaps and potential cost overruns early.
• Transition to broader portfolio projects as the business grows.
• Prepare monthly financial reporting, cost tracking and progress claims for stakeholders.

Skills

Contract administration

Contract management

Financial management

Negotiation

Excel

Communication

Australian standards

Education

Construction management degree

Quantity surveying degree

Tools

Excel

Construction financial software

Job description

Senior Contract Administrator

Salary: $120,000 – $150,000 (Depending on Experience)

Location: Glen Waverley

12-Month Contract – Potential to go Permanent

About the Role

Driven by ongoing growth and a strong pipeline of upcoming work, we are seeking an experienced Senior Contract Administrator (also well-suited for a Senior Contract Manager or an ambitious Junior Project Manager) to join our team on an initial 12-month contract, with a strong view to progress into a permanent role. Your first major assignment will be taking commercial ownership of our featured $15M multi-storey retail development, 2-storey with a basement, in Ringwood. As you settle into the role and business, you will expand your scope across additional dynamic projects in our growing pipeline. You will be heavily involved in subcontractor procurement, negotiation, and financial management, ensuring trades are paid accurately, variations are managed, and strong partner relationships are built. This role offers an exceptional career pathway with genuine progression into a Project Manager position as our footprint continues to expand.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee full end-to-end contract administration and commercial management, kicking off with a $15M multi-storey retail build with basement structure.
• Procure, negotiate, and finalise subcontractor agreements, trade packages, and supply contracts.
• Assess, process, and certify progress claims, variations, and subcontractor payments accurately and on time.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with trade contractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Monitor project budgets, cost-to-complete reporting, cash flow projections, and financial variations.
• Identify commercial risks, scope gaps, and potential cost overruns early in the project lifecycle.
• Transition smoothly onto broader portfolio projects as you settle in and build momentum within the business.
• Prepare monthly financial reporting, cost tracking, and progress claim submissions for key stakeholders.
• Work closely with Project Managers and Site Managers to support trade coordination and overall project delivery.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven track record as a Senior Contract Administrator, Senior Contract Manager, or Junior Project Manager within the Australian commercial construction sector.
• Demonstrated experience managing major commercial developments (experience with multi-level basements and structural packages highly regarded).
• Proven expertise in subcontractor procurement, contract negotiation, and end-to-end financial/progress claim management.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and negotiation capabilities with keen commercial acumen.
• In-depth understanding of head contracts, subcontract agreements, security of payment legislation, and Australian construction standards.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills to engage effectively with subcontractors, site management, and clients.
• High-level proficiency in construction financial software and Microsoft Excel.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Building, or equivalent industry experience.