Senior Contract Administrator

Job Description Summary

The Senior Contracts Administrator will play a key role in managing the Head Contract and all associated project subcontracts for a large, complex equipment project. This position requires strong commercial insight, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to navigate contractual obligations, risks, and opportunities across a diverse range of stakeholders. Working closely with project management, the Contracts Manager, and the engineering team and under the guidance of the Regional Contracts Manager and legal team, to ensure contract compliance and safeguard the company's commercial interests and contribute to the optimisation of project outcomes.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end subcontract management including tendering, negotiation, award, and administration with the support of sourcing team, Contracts Manager and legal team.
• Draft and review subcontract agreements, ensuring alignment with Head Contract requirements and project risk profile.
• Manage subcontractor claims, variations, progress payments, and final accounts.
• Lead resolution of subcontractor disputes, variations, and commercial issues.
• Ensure subcontractor performance complies with contractual, safety, and project requirements.
• Administer and manage all aspects of the Head Contract, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and deliverables.
• Monitor and manage project entitlements including variations, extensions of time (EOTs), claims, and notices in accordance with contract requirements.
• Prepare, submit, and negotiate contractual correspondence and claims with the client.
• Maintain accurate contract registers, correspondence logs, and records.
• Provide commercial and contractual advice to the Project Director, Project Manager, and broader project team.
• Identify and assess potential contractual and commercial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of cost, risk, and contract status to senior management.
• Support project forecasting, budgeting, and cashflow management through effective contract administration.
• Drive continuous improvement in contract management processes and systems.

• Tertiary qualifications in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Law, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5-8 years' experience in contract administration, with at least 3 years in a senior role on major projects.
• Proven ability to manage both head contracts and subcontracts on large-scale infrastructure, resources, or energy projects.
• Strong proficiency in contract and project management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Strong commercial acumen with ability to assess risk, negotiate, and protect company interests
• High attention to detail in reviewing, drafting, and managing contract documentation
• Proactive problem-solver with a practical approach to identifying and resolving issues
• Clear and persuasive communicator, both written and verbal, across all stakeholder levels
• Proven leadership and mentoring skills, with a focus on professionalism and team development
• Effective stakeholder management, balancing collaboration with firm contractual enforcement
• Excellent organisational skills; able to manage competing priorities and high workloads
• Confident negotiator, skilled at influencing outcomes aligned with project and business goals
• Adaptable and composed under pressure, with flexibility across various project phases
• Committed to ethical conduct, integrity, and compliance with legal and contractual obligations