Lead Contracts Engineer

Are you a seasoned commercial professional with a passion for driving project success and leading high-performing teams? We are seeking a Lead Contract Engineer to join a dynamic team and play a pivotal role in delivering strategic, commercial and contractual outcomes for high-value capital projects.

About the role

• 12 month contract with potential to extend
• Kwinana location
• Leading chemicals company
• Competitive rates with super on all hours

Key Responsibilities

• Lead with Purpose: Provide strategic leadership, fostering a culture of high performance, professionalism, and innovation within the project team.
• Ensure Compliance: Guarantee alignment of all contract management activities with company values, governance, and legal requirements.
• Drive Commercial Strategy: Develop and execute robust contract management plans, minimising project risk and liability.
• Supplier Management: Implement and maintain strong supplier performance systems, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and to specification.
• Expert Contract Support: Draft and review complex scopes and contracts, resolve claims and disputes, and drive optimal project outcomes.
• Financial Accountability: Collaborate with finance and project leaders to enhance financial performance and maintain rigorous documentation standards.
• Champion Improvement: Contribute to process innovation and continuous improvement across project and procurement functions.
• Lead on Safety: Actively promote a positive HSE culture and ensure safety standards are met across all contractor and supplier engagements.

About You
You will bring deep commercial insight and proven experience managing complex contracts in capital project environments, along with:

• Formal Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in a commercial, project management, or engineering discipline, and/or equivalent experience. Professional memberships (e.g. CIPSA, IACCM, CPA/CA) highly regarded.
• Experience:
  • 7+ years in commercial roles involving contract management and project finance
  • Background in construction, chemicals, energy, or mining industries
  • Strong expertise in capital project procurement methodologies
  • Demonstrated post-award support including claims, variations, and dispute resolution
  • Skilled in supplier relationship management and complex negotiations
• Capabilities:
  • Deep understanding of legal and contractual frameworks
  • Advanced planning, problem solving, and report writing skills
  • Leadership in ethical contracting practices
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement platforms (e.g. Oracle eBusiness, JDE)

Apply now to lead strategic contracts, drive high-impact projects, and shape commercial success in a dynamic environment!

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.