Role Overview:
The Senior Commercial and Contract Manager is responsible for overseeing the development, negotiation, and governance of all commercial and contractual arrangements across the organisation. This includes prime contracts, subcontracts, and agreements with domestic and international stakeholders. The role ensures compliance with Australian regulatory requirements, mitigates risk, and provides strategic commercial guidance to support organisational objectives. It requires strong leadership, advanced negotiation skills, and expertise in contract law, commercial strategy, and global collaboration.

Core Responsibilities

Contract and Commercial Management

• Lead the development, review, and maintenance of prime contracts, subcontracts, and associated agreements.
• Ensure all contractual arrangements align with organisational objectives, legal frameworks, and international standards.
• Manage contract lifecycle processes, including drafting, execution, amendments, and close-out.
• Maintain templates for contracts, confidentiality agreements, and other commercial documents.

Strategic Commercial Leadership

• Provide expert advice on commercial strategies, pricing models, and risk mitigation.
• Liaise with international teams to ensure global alignment on contractual terms and compliance requirements.
• Implementation of frameworks and guidelines for effective contract governance across the organisation.

Negotiation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead negotiations for complex contracts with clients, suppliers, and international partners.
• Develop and implement negotiation strategies that optimise commercial outcomes while safeguarding organisational interests.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and legal advisors.

Regulatory and Ethical Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Australian contract law, international trade regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Oversee adherence to Modern Slavery legislation and implement risk management strategies.
• Integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ES&G) principles into commercial practices.

Key Competencies and Soft Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align commercial strategies with organisational objectives and global requirements.
• Negotiation Expertise: Skilled in managing complex, high-value negotiations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Risk Management: Strong capability to identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and compliance risks.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Australian and international contract law, trade compliance, and ES&G standards.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication for influencing stakeholders and drafting clear documentation.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Proven ability to lead cross-functional and international teams, fostering trust and effective relationships.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset to resolve complex contractual and commercial challenges.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in reviewing and drafting contractual documents.
• Ethical Judgment: Commitment to integrity, transparency, and responsible corporate behaviour.
• Change Leadership: Demonstrated ability to drive organisational change and implement best practices.
• Research and Policy Development: Ability to research complex matters and develop clear organisational guidelines.
• Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Capacity to effectively give and receive constructive feedback to enhance performance.
• Conflict Management: Skilled in managing interpersonal conflict and escalating issues appropriately when required.
• Relationship Building: Ability to establish, develop, and maintain trust and confidence with managers, team members, and stakeholders

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or related field.
• Familiarity with contract law and its specific requirements.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Understanding of subcontract formulation, supply chain practices, and pre/post-award subcontract administration.
  • Exposure to placing large-dollar contracts.
  • Knowledge of relevant legal frameworks