Description We are currently recruiting for a Commercial Contract Senior Specialist to join Essential Energy’s Contract Management Office. This role can be based at any location within our operational footprint. We are seeking a senior commercial leader to deliver specialised commercial and contract management advice and to support the uplift of contract management maturity and capability across the Essential Energy enterprise. The role operates in a highly practical, hands-on manner, providing front-line commercial leadership, acting as a key escalation point for contract practitioners and ensuring strong commercial contract lifecycle discipline is applied across planning, procurement, management and renewal activities. As a trusted advisor to the business, the role works alongside Procurement, Legal and Risk as an equal enterprise partner, supporting strong contracting governance, compliance and commercial outcomes while enabling the broader business to effectively navigate the end-to-end contract lifecycle. The role also supports business owners to improve supplier operational performance, develop and manage sourcing and contract strategies, deliver contract management training and mentoring, and drive continuous improvement across the organisation. Key Responsibilities Drive contract management reform initiatives and cultural change through hands-on, practical leadership, improving capability, maturity and consistency across Essential Energy Provide specialist commercial and contract management advice and act as a key escalation point for contract practitioners managing complex or high-risk agreements Develop and implement contract management plans, performance frameworks and reporting to support strong commercial outcomes and effective supplier operational performance throughout the contract lifecycle Lead or support contractor performance reviews, risk identification and performance improvement initiatives, with a focus on addressing delivery issues and achieving measurable outcomes Develop, coordinate and deliver formal and ad‑hoc contract management training, mentoring and guidance to uplift lifecycle capability and confidence across the business Collaborate with Procurement, Legal and Risk as enterprise partners to support portfolio planning, sourcing activities and contract lifecycle governance, including preparation and review of contractual documentation Support governance, compliance and reporting requirements in line with Essential Energy policies, procedures and frameworks while enabling timely and effective business delivery Contribute to business planning, continuous improvement initiatives and the embedding of practical, good-practice contract and contractor management across a large operational environment About You The successful candidate will bring strong experience in commercial contract management and risk management, operating in large, complex or operationally intensive environments. You will have demonstrated success in improving contract management practices, influencing stakeholders, and uplifting capability and consistency across teams. You will be confident providing expert advice, working through complex commercial and contractual issues, and building strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Your approach will be collaborative, professional and pragmatic, with a strong focus on achieving sustainable commercial and operational business outcomes. Required Qualifications Degree in Business or a related discipline, or demonstrated equivalent experience Current Driver’s Licence Desirable Qualifications Project or Program Management qualification Business Management or Contract Management qualifications Experience and Skills Demonstrated experience in senior commercial or contract management roles within complex or operationally intensive environments Strong knowledge of commercial considerations, contract structures and risk management principles and their practical application Proven experience delivering business improvement initiatives and change programs from design through to implementation Experience developing and delivering training or capability uplift initiatives that improve real-world contract and commercial outcomes Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and dispute resolution skills across internal and external parties Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and clear, practical commercial advice and business planning Ability to manage large, complex workloads and competing priorities in dynamic operating environments Why Essential Energy Essential Energy provides employees with a broad range of employee benefits through our corporate partnerships with organisations such as Qantas, Optus, NIB and Mildura Health Fund. You will also gain access to our Health and Wellbeing programs including fitness passport. Visit our employee benefits page for more information. We are proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women. An energy network doesn’t just keep the lights on… it’s a living network that needs to adapt to new and emerging energy generation technologies while still meeting the energy needs of customers. It requires innovation, commitment, and collaboration to bring people together to solve the energy delivery challenges of the modern world. Your potential will be realised, and you’ll feel a real sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing you have a pivot role to play in delivering the energy of the future to the people who need it today. If you are a commercially driven leader who has operated in complex, multi-site or service-based environments and enjoy being hands-on in improving contract performance, supplier outcomes and commercial discipline, we’d like to hear from you. This role suits candidates who have held senior commercial, operational or general management roles and are comfortable working across contracts, suppliers, risk and governance to deliver real business outcomes. Experience outside the energy sector is welcome. For further information, please contact Mark Sifonis on 0427 512 191. Applications close Monday 26 January 2026 at 11:55pm AEST. Passionate people. Global thinking. Regional heart. Building a better energy future. Essential Energy is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applicants to apply regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As an organisation, our aim is to champion inclusivity in the workplace and celebrate the difference in all our employees. At Essential Energy, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact careers@essentialenergy.com.au or call us on 1800 255 777
