Versatile Group is a dynamic construction and development company delivering high-quality projects across NSW & QLD. With a reputation for excellence, collaboration, and innovation, we pride ourselves on building spaces that shape communities and create long-term value.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Contracts Manager to join our growing team. This is a career-defining role for someone ready to step up from Senior Contracts Administration and take ownership of both client-side (upstream) and subcontractor/supplier-side (downstream) contractual management.
As a Contracts Manager, you will lead the contractual and commercial function across multiple construction projects. You will act as a trusted advisor to project teams, driving rigour in contract administration, risk management, and commercial decision-making.
You will play a pivotal role in:
* Negotiating, interpreting, and managing complex head contracts and subcontracts.
* Protecting the business through sound risk allocation, proactive claims management, and strategic dispute resolution.
* Developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
* Ensuring both upstream and downstream obligations are met, while maximising project profitability and protecting Versatile Group's commercial interests.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead all aspects of contract management and administration we are looking for you to roll your sleeves up and make impact.
* Provide commercial advice to project teams on risk, claims, variations, extensions of time, and liquidated damages.
* Negotiate and manage upstream (client/consultant) and downstream (subcontractor/supplier) contracts to achieve favorable outcomes.
* Develop and implement contract administration systems, templates, and dispute management strategies.
* Manage contractual correspondence, claims, notices, securities, warranties, and insurances.
* Coordinate with project management, legal, design, risk, and safety teams to ensure obligations are clearly understood and delivered.
* Foster and maintain productive working relationships across the client, consultant, subcontractor, and supplier network.
* Oversee vendor/supplier performance, ensuring adherence to contract terms, budgets, and project requirements.
* Support tender evaluations, contract drafting, and procurement strategy development.
* Mentor and support Contracts Administrators and Cadets, building internal capability within the team.
What We're Looking For
* Proven experience as a Senior Contracts Administrator or Contracts Manager in the construction industry.
* Strong knowledge of construction law, contract types (AS, GC21, NEC, FIDIC, etc.), and commercial risk management.
* Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills across clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.
* Demonstrated ability to provide strategic commercial advice in fast-paced project environments.
* Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
* Proficiency with construction contract management systems and financial reporting tools.
* A collaborative mindset with the ability to lead, mentor, and influence others.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications in Construction Management, Law, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or similar.