Lead Contract Manager

Snowy Hydro is a dynamic, integrated energy business that has been providing on-demand, reliable energy to Australia for generations. Snowy Hydro owns and operates a powerful combination of generation assets, including the mighty Snowy Mountains Scheme, gas and diesel plants, and contracted wind and solar energy. We also provide electricity and gas to about 1.5 million retail customers through our retail brands Red Energy and Lumo Energy.

A full-time position exists for a Lead Contract Manager to join the Operations Services in Cooma (other office locations may be considered depending on the successful candidate).

About the position

As the Lead Contract Manager your primary responsibility is leading the end-to-end contract management function for Snowy Hydro Operations. Serving as a subject matter expert, you are responsible for developing, managing, and improving contract management practices to ensure favorable commercial outcomes and strict conformance with procurement processes. Your purpose is to provide strategic oversight and guidance on contract execution, supporting the preparation and negotiation of major contracts while proactively managing claims, variations, and commercial risks. Furthermore, you play a critical role in fostering a high-performance culture by mentoring contract managers, building strong stakeholder relationships, and driving continuous improvement in operational efficiency and cost optimisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of high-value, high-risk infrastructure contracts, partnering closely with project managers and technical leads to drive successful delivery.
• Lead and mentor a team of Contract Managers, offering strategic guidance on the negotiation and finalisation of major agreements to ensure alignment with procurement goals.
• Drive the development and implementation of robust contract management frameworks, policies, and best practices to enhance commercial outcomes for Operations Services.
• Monitor and manage contractual performance and obligations, variations, and contractual exposures to mitigate financial or legal risks, and establish robust commercial reporting, controls, and governance processes.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborate with the Procurement team to identify service improvements and achieve optimal value for the organisation.

About the location

We prefer this role to be based in Cooma, NSW, but we are open to considering exceptional candidates in Sydney or Melbourne. This position follows a standard Monday to Friday schedule with flexible working arrangements, requiring a minimum of three days in the office or on-site per week, with the flexibility to work from home for the remaining two days. Final arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate. Relocation support is available for those moving to Cooma.

About you

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Business, Commerce, or a related field.
• A professional certification in Contract Management, such as IACCM, is highly desirable.
• At least 10 years of demonstrable experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and administration.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior or leadership role, with a track record of mentoring teams and fostering high-performance standards.
• Deep knowledge of commercial laws, risk management principles, and regulatory compliance specifically related to contracts.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and complex negotiation skills, with the ability to manage intricate commercial relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly Desirable: Demonstrated experience managing the delivery of contracts for infrastructure projects comparable to Snowy Hydro's asset portfolio.

About our workforce

Diversity and inclusion is important to us. Snowy Hydro has a culture of decency and inclusion, with a commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people and a supportive environment to ensure that everyone - regardless of background - feels included and can succeed. At Snowy Hydro, we recognise that we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each individual brings, and we believe in providing an environment that allows that uniqueness to thrive.

Snowy Hydro is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provide accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for a role with Snowy Hydro and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an email with your request to the Snowy Hydro recruitment team at [email protected]

If this role sounds like you, apply now!