Director of Commercial Operations

Job Title: Commercial Director

You will oversee and manage all commercial and contractual aspects of projects, ensuring financial control, profitability, and risk mitigation throughout project lifecycles.

This role is pivotal in aligning project delivery with business objectives, safeguarding commercial interests, and supporting sustainable growth. It includes contract administration, cost control, risk management, subcontractor engagement, tendering support, and ensuring commercial performance across all project phases.

The key responsibilities include:

• Leading the commercial function across subdivision projects, ensuring alignment with project budgets, schedules, and profitability targets.
• Supporting the Estimating team with tender submissions, cost analysis, and construction programming.
• Overseeing contract administration processes, including contract evaluation, negotiation, finalisation, and execution in liaison with clients and company legal council.
• Managing commercial risks and opportunities through proactive assessment of contractual obligations, scope changes, and variation claims.
• Supporting the development and ongoing management of project budgets, cost forecasts, and financial reports; contributing to commercial performance reviews and risk assessments.
• Supporting the procurement, negotiation, and administration of subcontractor and supplier agreements in accordance with company policies and project timelines.
• Providing commercial oversight of project setup processes, including project securities, job folder establishment, and subcontractor onboarding.
• Supporting the preparation of monthly cost vs revenue reports, invoicing, and forecasting to ensure strong project financial control.
• Reviewing and responding to client commercial queries and providing commercially sound advice to Project Managers and Senior Leadership.
• Leading or supporting the negotiation and resolution of disputes and claims, escalating to the Legal team where required.

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Extensive knowledge of commercial and contract management within civil construction, particularly in land subdivision projects.
• A strong understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. AS2124, AS4000, NEC) and practical experience in contract law, interpretation, and negotiation.
• Advanced skills in cost planning, forecasting, budgeting, and commercial reporting.
• Proven ability to manage and negotiate variations, claims, extensions of time, and commercial disputes.
• Skilled in subcontractor procurement, engagement, and performance management.
• A high level of proficiency in project financial systems and tools, including Microsoft Excel and financial tracking software.
• A working knowledge of risk management principles, and ability to identify and mitigate commercial risks across project lifecycles.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, subcontractors, and legal advisors.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to mentor, guide, and support junior commercial staff.

The qualifications, tickets, and licenses required for this role are:

• Tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Commerce, Law, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a Senior Quantity Surveyor or commercial role within the civil construction industry.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a commercial leadership role overseeing subdivision or infrastructure projects (highly regarded).
• Current and valid C-Class Driver's Licence.
• Construction Induction Card (White Card).