About the opportunity We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to join the Western Region Delivery Team on one of Sydney Water’s most significant infrastructure programs. The program operates under an established long-term NEC4 framework, delivering a circa $2bn pipeline of works over 10 years across western Sydney. This is a senior commercial role operating within a mature, high-performing alliance-style environment, supporting the delivery of complex water and utilities infrastructure projects at scale. Reporting to the Commercial Director, this role provides end-to-end commercial leadership, spanning upstream head contract management with Sydney Water and downstream pre-and post-contract management across multiple work packages and delivery partners. In this role, you will: Provide commercial and contractual leadership across the WRDT program, supporting delivery of outcomes aligned to the intent of the NEC4 framework. Lead and mentor a team of contracts administrators and senior contracts administrators, acting as the primary escalation point for contractual and commercial matters. Partner closely with Sydney Water commercial stakeholders to drive collaborative, disciplined and value-focused outcomes. Oversee contract administration, including compensation events and change control, assessment and certification of claims, disallowed cost management and downstream contract governance. Lead procurement and commercial management of key trade, supplier and subcontract packages. Provide commercial input into Sydney Water RFQs, ensuring contractual risks, assumptions and commercial positions are clearly reflected in the contract data. Proactively manage contractual risk and performance to support predictable cost, time and program outcomes. Establish fit-for-purpose commercial governance and review mechanisms to support consistent decision-making across the program What you’ll bring to the team You will be an experienced Contracts Manager with proven people leadership capability, including leading and developing contract management teams across multiple projects, and extensive experience working on large-scale, multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects or complex programs of work, as well as: Strong capability across both development and delivery phases, including contract negotiation, procurement and administration. Experience managing a broad range of contracts within a medium to large contractor environment. Demonstrated experience working under NEC contracts, incentivised target cost or other complex, target-driven cost reimbursable models. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline. Water industry or regulated utility experience delivering complex civil and mechanical and electrical infrastructure is highly regarded. This role is based at Sydney Olympic Park, with travel to project sites as required and hybrid arrangements available. Ready to make an impact? If this sounds like your next step, apply now or contact Hayley Urriola at hurriola@abergeldie.com for a confidential discussion. bestpeople bestdelivery bestplanning
