Senior Contracts Manager

Senior Contracts Manager

A large local council is seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to lead strategic procurement, contract management and governance initiatives across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and operational services.
This is a senior, highly autonomous opportunity suited to someone who can step straight in, build credibility quickly and drive best-practice commercial, governance and supplier management outcomes. You'll work closely with executive leaders and key stakeholders to improve contract performance, strengthen governance frameworks and deliver value for money for the community.
The Opportunity
Reporting to a senior executive, you will lead the development and implementation of contract management, procurement and supplier governance frameworks across a significant service portfolio.
You will provide strategic commercial advice, drive supplier performance, manage risk and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and commercial outcomes. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, requiring someone who is comfortable influencing stakeholders at all levels while ensuring governance and compliance obligations are met.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic contract management, procurement and commercial governance activities.
• Develop and implement contract management and supplier performance frameworks.
• Provide expert commercial, contractual and procurement advice to senior stakeholders.
• Drive value-for-money outcomes through strategic sourcing and market engagement.
• Establish and maintain governance, audit and compliance frameworks.
• Lead supplier relationship management and contractor performance reviews.
• Manage commercial, operational and reputational risks across the contract portfolio.
• Monitor contract performance, financial outcomes and KPI delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and contract management practices.
• Support and mentor stakeholders on procurement, governance and contract management best practice.

About You
You are an experienced contracts, commercial or procurement professional with a track record of managing complex service contracts and navigating diverse stakeholder environments.
You will bring:

• Extensive experience in contract management, procurement and commercial governance.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience managing large and complex supplier relationships.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation capability.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to operate independently in a senior role with minimal supervision.
• Experience working within a complex or highly regulated environment.

Highly Regarded:

• Local Government experience.
• Broader public sector experience.
• Infrastructure, asset management or operational services contract experience.
• Experience implementing governance and assurance frameworks.

What's On Offer

• Senior leadership opportunity with significant organisational influence.
• Opportunity to shape procurement, contract management and governance practices.
• Diverse and high-profile contract portfolio.
• Hybrid working environment.
• Chatswood location.
• Collaborative and community-focused culture.