McMahon Services is one of Australia's largest privately owned construction, industrial and environmental services organisations, employing over 1,300 people across Australia.
Our Building & Construction team delivers complex commercial, industrial and Defence infrastructure projects nationwide. We don't just deliver projects we invest in our people, providing genuine opportunities to develop, lead and build long-term careers.
About the Role
McMahon Services is seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager – Defence Projects to join our Building & Construction team based in Adelaide.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially astute construction professional to take ownership of the commercial delivery of major Defence infrastructure projects from tender award through to final account.
Working closely with Project Directors, Construction Managers and project teams, you'll lead commercial strategy, procurement, contract administration and financial performance while helping deliver successful outcomes for our clients and the business.
Is This Your Next Career Move?
If you've built your career with a Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 contractor and are ready for broader commercial leadership, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.
This role could suit:
- A Senior Contract Administrator ready to step into a Senior Contracts Manager position.
- A Commercial Lead looking for greater ownership across major Defence projects.
- An experienced commercial professional seeking direct involvement in project strategy, leadership and business growth.
At McMahon Services, you'll continue delivering nationally significant projects while accelerating your career in a collaborative and supportive environment.
What You'll Do
- Lead the commercial strategy across major Defence infrastructure projects.
- Manage head contracts, subcontract administration and procurement activities.
- Oversee project budgets, forecasting, cash flow and financial reporting.
- Manage commercial risk, contract notices, claims and variations.
- Support tendering, pricing strategies and commercial reviews.
- Build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and key stakeholders.
- Mentor and develop Contract Administrators and commercial team members.
- Drive continuous improvement across commercial systems and project delivery.
What You'll Bring
- Tertiary qualification in Commerce, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or a related discipline.
- 10+ years' experience in commercial management, contract administration or cost management within the construction industry.
- Experience delivering major commercial, Defence or Government construction projects.
- Strong knowledge of procurement, contract management and financial forecasting.
- Excellent commercial acumen, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong leadership capability with experience mentoring project teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance.
What Will Set You Apart
- Experience delivering Defence infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of Design & Construct and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) delivery models.
- Proven ability to manage complex commercial risks across large-scale projects.
- Experience contributing to tender strategy and business development.
- Ability to build long-term client relationships and drive commercial performance.
Why Join McMahon Services?
- Deliver nationally significant Defence infrastructure projects.
- Greater ownership and influence across commercial project delivery.
- Long-term leadership and career progression opportunities.
- Work alongside experienced industry leaders.
- Strong pipeline of Defence and Building & Construction projects.
- Collaborative, values-driven and high-performing culture.
- Ongoing professional development and continuous learning.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're looking for more than just your next commercial role and are ready to influence major project outcomes while advancing your leadership career we'd love to hear from you.
McMahon Services operates across South Australia, the Northern Territory and nationally, creating opportunities throughout Australia. If this location isn't quite right, we still encourage you to apply and let us know your preferred location or willingness to travel
Apply today and join McMahon Services.
No recruitment agencies please.
At McMahon Services, we embrace diversity and inclusion as fundamental values. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation, creativity and a deeper understanding of the communities we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.
