Contracts Manager

About DCOH

Established in 1987, DCOH is a seasoned construction and development firm working across residential, commercial, hospitality, and real estate sectors. The company boasts a rich history of managing complex projects, including award-winning initiatives such as the Charles Darwin University Danala Education and Community Precinct, which earned a 2025 National Master Builders Award of Excellence. Operating primarily in the Northern Territory and Victoria, DCOH prioritizes buildability, schedule reliability, and effective on-site execution, combining experience, innovation, and rigorous management to deliver lasting value to clients, partners, and communities.

Role Overview

Based in Darwin, this pivotal position will oversee procurement and contract administration for the Darwin Civic Centre Project. The Contracts Manager will ensure adherence to contractual obligations, mitigate financial risks, and align procurement strategies with the objectives of the project. Collaboration with project teams, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and other stakeholders will be central to the role, requiring leadership in contract negotiations, execution, administration, cost control, compliance, and successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the entire contract lifecycle from tendering and awarding through to execution and closure.
• Advise on contract terms, handle variations, manage claims, and ensure contractual compliance.
• Oversee administration of main contracts and subcontracts to guarantee fulfillment of all contractual commitments.
• Create and implement contract management systems to track deliverables, compliance, and project performance.
• Formulate and apply procurement strategies that meet project goals, budgetary constraints, and timelines.
• Lead subcontractor procurement including tender documentation, evaluations, negotiation, and contract award processes.
• Steer cost control efforts through review of forecasts, cost plans, budget reports, and commercial outcomes.
• Manage contractual variations, progress claims, final accounts, and all related documentation.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks related to contracts, commercial elements, and subcontractors.
• Resolve contractual issues and disputes with consultation among relevant parties.
• Prepare and analyze commercial reports, procurement status updates, and overall project performance data.
• Coordinate efforts between internal teams and external stakeholders to enhance project delivery, cost management, quality, and compliance.
• Monitor project progress against key milestones and commercial objectives.
• Cultivate strong, cooperative relationships with project teams, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement while upholding DCOH’s Code of Conduct.

Candidate Profile

• Possession of a qualification in Construction, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of senior-level experience in contracts management within the construction industry.
• Extensive background in contract negotiation, administration, procurement, risk management, and cost control.
• Proven skills in managing commercial risks, resolving contractual disputes, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities with success in executing high-value projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong aptitude for managing stakeholder relationships effectively.
• Proficiency with JobPac, Microsoft Office Suite, and project management software.
• Highly organized and analytical, capable of juggling priorities in a dynamic environment.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV along with a cover letter detailing their suitability and addressing the above criteria.