Subcontracts Lead

Downer; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

WFH opportunities

Competitive remuneration and benefits

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Subcontracts Lead to join our Energy & Utilities business across Australia, based in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne. You will lead subcontracting activities on major infrastructure and utility projects, develop subcontracting strategies, drive commercial negotiations and manage contractual risk in line with project governance.

Collaboration with procurement, commercial, legal, engineering and delivery teams is essential to deliver strong commercial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in subcontracting, procurement, or contract management on major infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of Australian construction contracts and risk allocation.
• Proven skill in reviewing departures and leading negotiations.
• Ability to develop subcontracting strategies aligned to project delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder management across legal, commercial, procurement and delivery teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead subcontracting activities across major infrastructure and utility projects.
• Develop subcontracting strategies and drive commercial negotiations.
• Manage contractual risk and ensure governance alignment.
• Collaborate with procurement, legal, engineering and delivery teams to deliver outcomes.
• Support project delivery with strong contractual and commercial guidance.

Skills

Subcontracts

Procurement

Commercial management

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Risk awareness

Education

Law or Commerce degree

MBA preferred

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Subcontracts Lead to join our Energy & Utilities business. This opportunity can be based in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne.

In this role you will lead subcontracting activities across major infrastructure and utility projects. You will be responsible for developing subcontracting strategies, leading commercial negotiations, managing contractual risk, and ensuring contracts are established in line with project objectives and governance requirements.

This is a key role that works closely with procurement, commercial, legal, engineering and project delivery teams to drive strong commercial outcomes and support successful project delivery.

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in subcontracting, procurement, commercial management or contract management within major infrastructure, energy, utilities or construction projects.
• A strong understanding of Australian construction contracts and commercial risk allocation.
• Proven experience reviewing contractual departures and leading commercial negotiations.
• The ability to develop subcontracting strategies that support project delivery and commercial objectives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with experience working across legal, commercial, procurement and delivery teams.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship management capabilities.
• A tertiary qualification in Law, Commerce or a related discipline. An MBA or equivalent will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

At Downer, we value our people and provide opportunities to build rewarding careers in a supportive and collaborative environment.

You will have access to:

• Flexible working arrangements and WFH opportunities
• Competitive remuneration and benefits
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities
• Exposure to some of Australia's largest energy and infrastructure projects
• A safety focused and inclusive culture that values diversity, innovation and teamwork

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business delivers critical infrastructure services across the power, gas, water and renewable sectors. We work with our customers to design, build and maintain the essential networks that connect communities and support Australia's future growth.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to contribute their best.

Downer is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people living with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.