We are seeking a highly motivated and commercially astute
Contracts & Disputes Services Manager
to provide expert contract management, claims advisory, and dispute resolution services across major construction, infrastructure, engineering, and property projects.
The successful candidate will support clients and project teams in managing contractual risk, resolving complex commercial issues, preparing claims and expert submissions, and delivering strategic advice throughout the project lifecycle.
This role requires strong analytical capabilities, a thorough understanding of construction contracts, and experience in dispute avoidance, negotiation, mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation support.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Advisory & Commercial Management
Provide expert advice on contract administration and project commercial matters.
Interpret and advise on contractual rights, obligations, and risk allocations.
Support the preparation, review, and negotiation of construction and consultancy contracts.
Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout project delivery.
Develop strategies to protect client interests and optimise commercial outcomes.
Claims Management
Prepare, assess, and defend claims relating to:
Extensions of Time (EOT)
Delay and disruption
Variations and change management
Prolongation costs
Acceleration claims
Productivity and performance issues
Analyse contractual entitlements and assess claim validity.
Review supporting documentation, project records, schedules, and cost data.
Develop claim submissions and commercial recommendations for clients and stakeholders.
Assist clients in avoiding, managing, and resolving disputes across project lifecycles.
Support mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation processes.
Prepare dispute documentation, submissions,



and evidence in support of legal proceedings.
Coordinate with legal counsel, technical experts, project teams, and external stakeholders.
Conduct detailed investigations into project performance, contractual compliance, and disputed matters.
Review project records and programmes to evaluate causes of delay and disruption.
Perform critical path and schedule impact assessments.
Conduct quantum analysis to assess financial impacts arising from claims and disputes.
Prepare findings and recommendations supported by detailed evidence and analysis.
Expert Support & Reporting
Assist in preparing expert reports and independent assessments.
Develop clear, concise, and well-supported reports for clients, tribunals, adjudicators, or legal proceedings.
Present findings to senior stakeholders, legal teams, and project executives.
Maintain high standards of accuracy, objectivity, and professional integrity.
Client Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong client relationships.
Act as a trusted advisor on contract administration, claims strategy, and dispute resolution matters.
Support business development initiatives and contribute to proposal preparation and client presentations.
Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and strengthen client partnerships.
Qualifications & Experience
Degree qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Law, Commercial Management, or a related discipline.
Significant experience in contract management,



claims consulting, commercial management, or dispute resolution within the construction and infrastructure sectors.
Strong knowledge of standard forms of contract, including:
AS Contracts
NEC
FIDIC
Experience preparing or managing claims relating to delay, disruption, variations, and commercial disputes.
Strong analytical, contractual, and commercial acumen.
Preferred
Membership of a recognised professional body such as:
AIQS
RICS
Engineers Australia
Experience supporting adjudication, arbitration, expert witness services, or litigation proceedings.
Understanding of forensic delay analysis and quantum assessment methodologies.
Postgraduate qualifications in construction law, arbitration, or dispute resolution.
Construction Claims Management
Dispute Avoidance & Resolution
Delay and Disruption Analysis
Quantum Assessment
Contract Negotiation
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Report Writing & Presentation Skills
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
Attention to Detail
Solid Written and Verbal Communication Skills
What Success Looks Like
Effective management of contractual and commercial risks.
Successful resolution of claims and disputes while preserving client relationships.
Delivery of high-quality claims submissions, analyses, and expert reports.
Strong client satisfaction and trusted advisor status.
Timely and commercially sound resolution of complex project issues.
Contribution to business growth through exceptional service delivery and client engagement.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to work on high-profile construction, infrastructure, energy, transport, property, and data centre projects while providing specialist expertise in contracts, claims, and dispute resolution.
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📌 Contracts & Disputes Services Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Currie and Brown
📍 Melbourne