Job Description
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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.
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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.
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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 n
Contract Advisory & Commercial Management
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Provide expert advice on contract administration and project commercial matters.
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Interpret and advise on contractual rights, obligations, and risk allocations.
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Support the preparation, review, and negotiation of construction and consultancy contracts.
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Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout project delivery.
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Develop strategies to protect client interests and optimise commercial outcomes.
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Claims Management
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Prepare, assess, and defend claims relating to:
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Extensions of Time (EOT)
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Delay and disruption
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Variations and change management
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Prolongation costs
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Acceleration claims
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Productivity and performance issues
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Analyse contractual entitlements and assess claim validity.
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Review supporting documentation, project records, schedules, and cost data.
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Develop claim submissions and commercial recommendations for clients and stakeholders.
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Assist clients in avoiding, managing, and resolving disputes across project lifecycles.
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Support mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation processes.
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Prepare dispute documentation, submissions,



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



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