Senior Commercial Analyst

• Develop commercial models, forecasts, and pricing submissions.
• Prepare infrastructure cost estimates and risk analysis.
• Support executive reporting and business case development.

About AARNet

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet), founded in 1989, has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s digital landscape as the pioneers of the country’s Internet. Our mission extends beyond mere connectivity; we are the architects, builders, and operators of a world-class network infrastructure that fuels critical research and learning. At AARNet, innovation thrives within a vibrant community.

The Role: Senior Commercial Analyst

We are seeking a high-calibre Senior Commercial Analyst to support major infrastructure and construction projects through robust financial analysis, cost modelling, and commercial insight.

The role will play a key part in developing business cases, project forecasts, bid models, and executive reporting, with a particular focus on infrastructure cost modelling, including P50 / P80 estimates, contingency analysis, and risk-adjusted forecasting. 

Key Responsibilities include:

Commercial and Financial Analysis

• Develop, maintain and enhance commercial models for major infrastructure and construction projects.
• Prepare cost models, forecasts, cash flow projections, margin analysis, and scenario modelling.
• Support business cases, pricing submissions, and executive reporting.
• Analyse project performance, forecast accuracy, and key commercial risks.  

Infrastructure Cost Modelling

• Build and review infrastructure cost estimates across project lifecycle stages.
• Apply risk-based cost modelling techniques and probabilistic estimating methodologies.
• Develop P50 / P80 and other confidence-level cost positions to support investment, contingency, and delivery decisions.
• Ensure cost models are transparent, defensible, and suitable for governance review.

Commercial Governance and Reporting

• Support project and portfolio reporting, including forecast updates, variance analysis, risks, opportunities, and key financial commentary.
• Assist in preparing reports and presentations for senior management and Boards.  

Bid and Delivery Support

• Provide commercial input into tenders, bids, proposals, and customer pricing.
• Assess delivery risks, margin sensitivity, and downside / upside scenarios.
• Contribute to negotiations by providing structured financial and risk analysis.   

Skills and Experience Essential

• Relevant degrees in Commerce, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or similar.
• Experience in commercial, financial analysis, project controls, or infrastructure finance role.
• Experience supporting major infrastructure, construction, engineering, utilities, or telecommunications projects.
• Strong experience developing project cost models, including risk-adjusted and probabilistic estimates.
• Proven experience working with P50 / P80 estimates, confidence-based forecasting, contingency modelling, and cost risk analysis.
• Advanced financial modelling capability in Excel and strong analytical skills.
• Experience in business case development, project forecasting, and commercial reporting.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex analysis clearly to senior stakeholders. 

Desirable

• Experience in PPP, transport, utilities, fibre, energy, civil, or large-scale construction environments.
• Experience using project controls, estimating, or risk tools such as Power BI, Primavera, @Risk, Cleopatra, EcoSys, or similar.
• CPA, CA, CFA or postgraduate commercial / finance qualifications are advantageous.   

Why Work at AARNet?

At AARNet, we’re passionate about advancing global education and critical research. Our Australiawide network, with global reach, supports some of the most demanding networkbased applications. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven workplace where you can make a difference, consider joining our team.

Make an impact: By working with us, you’ll directly contribute to critical research in fields like astronomy, physics, earth observation, environment, health, and medicine. Our mission matters, and we’re committed to providing equal opportunities for all.  

Competitive Benefits and Conditions:

• Superannuation: Enjoy a 17% superannuation contribution.
• Parental/Adoption Leave: We offer 24 weeks of paid parental leave and superannuation topup.
• Secondary Carer Leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave for secondary caregivers.
• Wellness Leave: 2 days per month paid Women’s wellness leave. 
• Family & Domestic Violence Leave: 20 days of paid leave.
• Other Supportive Leaves: Paid leave for various life events such as weddings, deaths, trauma, and disasters.
• Purchased Leave: Options to purchase additional Annual Leave.
• Flexible Work Options: We support work-life balance.
• Equal Opportunity Focus: We value diversity and inclusion.
• Social Responsibility and Ethics: We lead by example.
• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Access to work with the latest industry technology.