Senior Contracts Administrator

The opportunity

Downer is seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Administrator to join our Energy and Utilities business and support the Unitywater Program.

This is a key commercial role with responsibility for the effective management of project related contractual and commercial matters.

You will administer assigned Work Orders under the Head Contract Framework Agreement, manage supporting subcontracts, and provide commercial guidance to Contracts Administrators and project delivery teams.

Working closely with commercial, delivery, project controls, finance, client, supplier and subcontractor stakeholders, you will help protect contractual entitlements, strengthen commercial performance and support the successful delivery of the program.

Your responsibilities will include:

Providing commercial leadership and advice across project planning, delivery and closeout

Administering Work Orders, head contract obligations and subcontract arrangements

Preparing and managing contractual notices, claims, variations and extensions of time

Establishing and maintaining change, variation, risk, opportunity and delay registers

Supporting payment claims, invoicing, subcontractor assessments and financial reporting

Monitoring compliance with contract requirements, time bars and relevant legislation

Providing commercial input into project schedules, reports, risk reviews and management plans

Managing and resolving commercial issues involving clients, subcontractors and suppliers

Supporting accurate project records, governance processes and contract documentation

Coaching project team members on commercial, contractual and risk matters

Building trusted and collaborative relationships with Unitywater and other program stakeholders

Supporting a strong Zero Harm culture and working in accordance with Downer policies and procedures

The Unitywater Program values collaboration and a strong team presence.

The role requires attendance at an office or site for a minimum of three days each week, with the remaining two days offering flexibility across home, office or site arrangements.

Additional office attendance may occasionally be required to support program needs.

What we’re looking for

You will be an experienced commercial or contracts professional who can interpret complex contractual requirements, provide clear advice and influence positive project outcomes.

You will bring:

A tertiary qualification in construction management, business, engineering, quantity surveying or a related discipline, or recognised industry experience relevant to the position

At least five years of demonstrated experience in a similar contracts administration or commercial management role

Strong knowledge of Australian or New Zealand construction contracts

Experience interpreting and applying contract terms, legislative requirements and commercial governance frameworks

Demonstrated capability in managing variations, contractual claims, payment processes and contract notices

Experience preparing and administering contract and subcontract agreements

Sound commercial judgement, financial awareness and risk management capability

Strong negotiation, influencing, analytical and prioritisation skills

The ability to prepare accurate reports and provide clear, concise recommendations

A collaborative communication style and the ability to build effective relationships with project teams and stakeholders

The ability to deliver quality outcomes in a challenging environment and within tight timeframes

A high level of initiative, self discipline and professional conduct

What we offer

The opportunity to contribute to an important water infrastructure program

A senior commercial role with exposure across the full project lifecycle

A collaborative environment focused on building better outcomes together

Flexible working arrangements aligned with program and operational requirements

Opportunities to strengthen your commercial leadership capability and support the development of project team members

Access to Downer benefits, career development opportunities and a broader network of infrastructure professionals

A workplace committed to Zero Harm, inclusion and the wellbeing of our people

Downer is a leading provider of integrated services across Australia and New Zealand.

Through trusted relationships and world leading insight, we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure and facilities.

Our Energy and Utilities business provides essential services across water, power, gas and telecommunications infrastructure.

Our teams work with customers and communities to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Downer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

To apply for this opportunity, select Apply and submit your current resume together with any information relevant to your experience.

Applications will not be accepted by email.

Please submit your application through the advertised application process.

Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.

Please do not forward resumes to our recruitment team, hiring managers or other employees.

Downer will not be responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited agency submissions.