📣We're Hiring: Contracts Manager📣

Location: Melbourne / South-Western Victoria / Hybrid

Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed Term

Why Join the Whelans Group Team

At Whelans, we’re more than a family-owned company—we’re a thriving team passionate about delivering exceptional results across earthmoving, heavy haulage, road maintenance, quarries, civil construction, welding, fabricating, engineering, and traffic control. With years of expertise and cutting-edge tools, we live by our motto: “Making it Happen.”

The Role

As Contracts Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in managing subcontractor relationships, negotiating and executing contracts, and ensuring compliance across all commercial activities. You’ll work closely with the Commercial Manager and project teams to mitigate risk, optimise performance, and uphold governance standards throughout the project lifecycle. This a unique opportunity to lead the commercial function on a Major Victorian Road Project!

Experience in the delivery of large civil construction projects and financial forecasting is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management & Governance

Oversee contracts, correspondence, compliance, and records

Monitor contract performance and support stakeholders

Identify risks and drive process improvements

Build strong relationships across internal and external teams

Maintain compliance frameworks and contract governance

Procurement & Subcontractor Management

Draft, negotiate, and execute subcontracts that maximise value

Analyse tenders and provide recommendations

Conduct supplier risk assessments and ensure procurement compliance

Manage variations and ensure subcontractor alignment with head contract obligations

Commercial Oversight

Develop financial plans and forecast budget requirements

Lead reporting systems and deliver performance updates

Liaise with clients and authorities to secure approvals

Maintain records of commercial decisions and recommend improvements

Champion value-for-money outcomes for the State of Victoria

Workplace Health & Safety

Promote a safe working environment

Report hazards and incidents promptly

Participate in safety meetings and audits

Support compliance with WHS legislation and protocols

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Law, Construction Management, Finance, or related field

Minimum 3 years’ experience in contract administration or commercial management within large-scale infrastructure projects

Experience with Major Roads Projects Victoria highly desirable

Strong understanding of Head Contract terms and Victorian infrastructure standards

Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting systems

Proven negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and analytical capabilities

High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability

Why Join Us?

At Whelans, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and commercial excellence. You’ll work on transformative projects that make a real impact—and you’ll do it with people who care about quality, safety, and community outcomes.

If this sounds like the position for you, get your application in today! Applications must include a resume AND cover letter. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Applications must be received by 4.30pm, Thursday 16 October 2025.

At Whelans, we are committed to equal opportunity and celebrate the diversity of our team. We welcome applicants from all walks of life.

Please note: While we make every effort to update all applicants, due to the volume of applications received, only those selected for shortlisting may be contacted.

For any queries about this opportunity, please contact Alisha Caldwell, Recruitment and Human Resources Officer, at [email protected].