Commercial & Contracts Manager - Construction (Claims & Disputes)
Brisbane, QLD | National Project Portfolio | $ - Highly attractive package on offer with access to employee share scheme after 6 months
A national civil and utilities contractor is seeking a senior
Commercial & Contracts Manager
to lead contractual risk, claims strategy and commercial outcomes across a diverse portfolio of technically complex underground infrastructure projects.
This is a
contract‐led commercial role
suited to candidates with strong construction‐law depth and contractor‐side judgement. You will own contract review, negotiation, entitlement management, claims and dispute resolution across the full project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
Lead commercial and contractual review of tenders, head contracts, subcontracts and supply agreements
Prepare and negotiate departures, qualifications and contract amendments
Advise on contractual risk, entitlement, mitigation and negotiation strategy
Establish disciplined contract administration including notices, time bars and obligation tracking
Lead variation, EOT, delay, disruption, prolongation and latent‐condition claims
Guide Security of Payment strategy, payment schedules and adjudication processes
Manage downstream claims, defaults, set‐off and termination rights
Lead dispute avoidance, settlement negotiations and formal dispute‐resolution processes
Manage external legal advisers and technical experts
Build commercial capability across project teams nationally
About You




Significant Australian construction or infrastructure contracting experience
Solid construction‐contract interpretation, drafting and negotiation capability
Practical experience preparing and resolving complex claims
Knowledge of Australian standard‐form, D&C; and materially amended client contracts
Security of Payment and adjudication experience
Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear commercial recommendations
Credibility with project teams, senior leaders and clients
Willingness to work from Brisbane Southside and travel nationally
Preferred Experience
Law degree and admission
to practice in an Australian jurisdiction, or an equivalent recognised legal qualification
Postgraduate qualifications
in construction law or contract management
Experience in
civil infrastructure, utilities, tunnelling, trenchless construction, geotechnical works
, or other ground‐risk‐intensive environments
Experience working with
subcontract, supply, consultancy, joint‐venture or consortium arrangements
What You'll Bring
You're direct, pragmatic and decisive. You challenge unsuitable contract positions, preserve entitlement through disciplined records, and provide clear, concise commercial advice. You operate nationally while remaining visible and accessible to project teams.
The Opportunity
Senior leadership role with national influence
Exposure to technically complex civil and utilities projects
Competitive salary package + STI + share scheme eligibility
Opportunity to shape commercial strategy and uplift capability across the business
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📌 Commercial & Contracts Manager - Construction (Claims & Disputes) (Brisbane)
🏢 OnTalent
📍 Brisbane