_{09th January, 2026}

Powerstaff is partnering with a well-established national building contractor to recruit an experienced Contracts Manager (Project Commercial Lead) for a significant $100m+ residential development currently underway in Canberra.
This role is suited to a commercially astute professional who can lead project cost management, procurement, and contract administration while mentoring a site-based commercial team and working closely with the client and delivery team.
 
The Opportunity
As the senior commercial lead on the project, you will be responsible for overseeing all financial and contractual aspects of delivery, ensuring strong cost control, cash flow management, and accurate reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
 
Key responsibilities include:

• Working collaboratively with the client and project team to achieve commercial and project outcomes
• Leading, mentoring and supervising the project commercial team
• Developing and executing the project procurement strategy
• Managing all procurement processes across head contract and subcontract packages
• Leading project cost management, including head contract and subcontract variations
• Managing head contract and subcontractor progress claims
• Monitoring and managing project cash flow
• Preparing and presenting detailed monthly financial reports to senior stakeholders

About You
You will be an experienced Contracts / Commercial Manager with a strong background in major building projects and the confidence to operate as the commercial authority on site.
You will ideally bring:

• Degree qualification in Construction Management or a related discipline
• Substantial experience in a similar project-based commercial role on large building projects
• Background working with a main contractor or large subcontractor environment
• Strong administrative and financial management capability across complex projects
• Proven expertise in procurement strategy and contract administration
• Experience using construction management systems such as CHEOPS, Aconex or similar platforms (desirable)
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead and influence teams

What's On Offer

• Permanent role with a stable national contractor
• Key leadership position on a major Canberra-based project
• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Long-term career progression opportunities
• Access to training, development and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee benefit and reward programs

Why Powerstaff?
Powerstaff recruits for commercial construction roles across Australia and internationally. We work with leading builders, developers and consultancies and treat all applications with strict confidentiality.
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