12 month Fixed Term maternity leave contract Sydney Based (Artarmon) AE Smith: We are returning to our roots. Since 2023 AE Smith is a privately owned business once more, and its an understatement to say we have gone through a bit of a transition period. We are still the same organisation that has operated for over 120 years as an Australian industry leader in HVAC, building services and electrical markets, but we have a renewed approach to the way we work and operate. As asset specialists, we understand our #1 asset is our people. We’re proud of our team’s depth and breadth of experience and with over 600 of us united in our work and our brands, it’s unsurprising our average employee tenure is market leading, but we are always keen on adding new faces to our team.

The opportunity AE Smith is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager OR Contracts Manager to join our team on a

12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave . This role has an opportunity for Permanent Employment after the duration of the contract.

Working closely with the Head of Commercial and senior business leaders, you will develop and implement effective commercial strategies, strengthen contract management practices and protect the organisation’s contractual and financial interests.

This is an opportunity for a commercially astute professional who combines strong contract expertise with sound judgement, influential communication skills and a collaborative approach.

Key responsibilities In this role, you will:

Provide commercial advice across head contracts, projects and service agreements

Review and negotiate contract terms with clients, suppliers and subcontractors

Prepare and review contractual notices, time claims,



cost claims and supporting documentation

Manage contract administration, claims, disputes and commercial risk

Develop commercial strategies that protect contractual entitlements and support business objectives

Implement project performance measures and commercial controls

Monitor budgets, expenditure and financial performance

Identify commercial risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies

Coordinate with internal and external legal advisers as required

Build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and internal stakeholders

Mentor team members and strengthen commercial capability across the business

Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and commercial outcomes

Promote a proactive safety culture and model responsible workplace behaviours

About you To succeed in this role, you will bring:

At least four years’ senior commercial or contract management experience in a comparable environment

A tertiary qualification in commercial management, law or a related discipline

Strong knowledge of the Australian construction market and common forms of contract

Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating head contracts and subcontract agreements

Experience preparing and managing contractual claims and notices





A strong record of resolving commercial issues while minimising formal disputes and litigation

Well-developed commercial awareness and financial acumen

Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving capabilitiesExcellent written and verbal communication skills

The ability to influence and build trusted relationships at all levels

A team-oriented, ethical and solutions-focused approach

Postgraduate qualifications or a law degree will be highly regarded.

Why Us? This role offers the opportunity to influence commercial outcomes across a diverse portfolio of technical services projects while working closely with operational, financial and leadership teams.

If you are an experienced commercial professional who can balance risk, relationships and results, we would like to hear from you.

Step into a senior commercial leadership role within a Tier 1 contracting environment

Gain valuable experience leading the commercial function during a defined 12-month maternity leave contract

Work across major blue-chip client contracts and large-scale, complex project portfolios

Gain exposure to high-profile and iconic projects across Australia

Influence commercial strategy, risk management and contract outcomes at a senior level

Partner with executive leaders, clients, legal advisers and key project stakeholders

Strengthen your experience in complex contract negotiations, claims and dispute management

Build a strong track record within a respected and established technical services business

Make an immediate and visible impact while broadening your senior leadership experience

📌 Contracts Manager (Sydney)
🏢 AE Smith
📍 Sydney