Strategic Contracts & Service Operations Manager

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

State Government of Victoria is seeking a Contract Manager, Service Operations in Melbourne. The role focuses on transitioning from project delivery to ongoing operations, providing commercial and contractual oversight, and maintaining strong governance and stakeholder relationships.

You will manage contract variations, support negotiations and pursue value-for-money outcomes while ensuring compliance and effective reporting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working on commercial projects in either public and/or private sectors.
• Experience working with State or Federal Government (desirable).
• A relevant tertiary qualification in commerce, finance, economics, business management or related discipline is highly regarded (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial and contractual oversight during the transition from project delivery to business-as-usual operations.
• Manage compliance and contract variations.
• Support negotiations and value-for-money outcomes.
• Maintain effective governance, reporting and stakeholder relationships throughout the transition.

Skills

Analyses complex issues

Stakeholder relationships

Commercial acumen

Contract management

Governance & reporting

Education

Tertiary qualification in commerce/finance

Job description

Occupation: Accounting, finance and procurement

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 12667

About Us

We create thriving places andconnectedcommunities. We plan,buildandmaintainVictoria’s transport,planningand land services. We are committed to a safe,inclusiveand 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.

The Contract Manager, Service Operations supports the transition from project delivery to business-as-usual operations. The role provides commercial and contractual oversight, manages compliance and contract variations, supports negotiations and value-for-money outcomes, and maintains effective governance, reporting and stakeholder relationships throughout the transition.

Whatwe’relooking for

You’resomeone who:

• Analyses complex issues, uses sound judgement and takes practical action to resolve problems and make informed decisions.
• Coordinates project delivery, clearly defines tasks, monitors progress against plans and takes corrective action to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships by understanding different perspectives, needs and organisational contexts, and communicating effectively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Applies strong commercial and business acumen to maximise value, inform contract and expenditure decisions, and manage commercial risks.
• Collaborates effectively across teams, encourages knowledge sharing and helps create a culture focused on achieving shared outcomes.

Click here to access the Position Description.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• Demonstrated experience working on commercial projects in either public and/or private sectors. (mandatory)
• Experience working with State or Federal Government (desirable).
• A relevant tertiary qualification in commerce, finance, economics, business management or related discipline is highly regarded (desirable).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

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.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account tosubmityour application.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 19 October 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letteraddressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must besubmittedvia the online portal,we’reunable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Kathy Sceney, Contract and Commercial Manager, [e-mail].

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

If you require any adjustments to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us.We'rehere to support you.

Applications close Monday 19 October 2026 at 11.59pm