Contracts & Disputes Services Manager
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and commercially astute Contracts & Disputes Services Manager to provide expert contract management, claims advisory, and dispute resolution services across major construction, infrastructure, engineering, and property projects.
The successful candidate will support clients and project teams in managing contractual risk, resolving complex commercial issues, preparing claims and expert submissions, and delivering strategic advice throughout the project lifecycle.
This role requires strong analytical capabilities, a thorough understanding of construction contracts, and experience in dispute avoidance, negotiation, mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation support.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Advisory & Commercial Management
- Provide expert advice on contract administration and project commercial matters.
- Interpret and advise on contractual rights, obligations, and risk allocations.
- Support the preparation, review, and negotiation of construction and consultancy contracts.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout project delivery.
- Develop strategies to protect client interests and optimise commercial outcomes.
Claims Management
- Prepare, assess, and defend claims relating to:
- Extensions of Time (EOT)
- Delay and disruption
- Variations and change management
- Prolongation costs
- Acceleration claims
- Productivity and performance issues
- Analyse contractual entitlements and assess claim validity.
- Review supporting documentation, project records, schedules, and cost data.
- Develop claim submissions and commercial recommendations for clients and stakeholders.
Dispute Resolution Services
- Assist clients in avoiding, managing, and resolving disputes across project lifecycles.
- Support mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation processes.
- Prepare dispute documentation, submissions, and evidence in support of legal proceedings.
- Coordinate with legal counsel, technical experts, project teams, and external stakeholders.
- Conduct detailed investigations into project performance, contractual compliance, and disputed matters.
Delay & Quantum Analysis
- Review project records and programmes to evaluate causes of delay and disruption.
- Perform critical path and schedule impact assessments.
- Conduct quantum analysis to assess financial impacts arising from claims and disputes.
- Prepare findings and recommendations supported by detailed evidence and analysis.
Expert Support & Reporting
- Assist in preparing expert reports and independent assessments.
- Develop clear, concise, and well-supported reports for clients, tribunals, adjudicators, or legal proceedings.
- Present findings to senior stakeholders, legal teams, and project executives.
- Maintain high standards of accuracy, objectivity, and professional integrity.
Client Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong client relationships.
- Act as a trusted advisor on contract administration, claims strategy, and dispute resolution matters.
- Support business development initiatives and contribute to proposal preparation and client presentations.
- Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and strengthen client partnerships.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Degree qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Law, Commercial Management, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in contract management, claims consulting, commercial management, or dispute resolution within the construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Strong knowledge of standard forms of contract, including:
- AS Contracts
- NEC
- FIDIC
- JCT (desirable)
- Experience preparing or managing claims relating to delay, disruption, variations, and commercial disputes.
- Strong analytical, contractual, and commercial acumen.
Preferred
- Membership of a recognised professional body such as:
- AIQS
- RICS
- Engineers Australia
- Experience supporting adjudication, arbitration, expert witness services, or litigation proceedings.
- Understanding of forensic delay analysis and quantum assessment methodologies.
- Postgraduate qualifications in construction law, arbitration, or dispute resolution.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Contract Administration & Advisory
- Construction Claims Management
- Dispute Avoidance & Resolution
- Delay and Disruption Analysis
- Quantum Assessment
- Commercial Risk Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Report Writing & Presentation Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
- Attention to Detail
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills
What Success Looks Like
- Effective management of contractual and commercial risks.
- Successful resolution of claims and disputes while preserving client relationships.
- Delivery of high-quality claims submissions, analyses, and expert reports.
- Strong client satisfaction and trusted advisor status.
- Timely and commercially sound resolution of complex project issues.
- Contribution to business growth through exceptional service delivery and client engagement.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to work on high-profile construction, infrastructure, energy, transport, property, and data centre projects while providing specialist expertise in contracts, claims, and dispute resolution.