Commerical Manager - Program Delivery

About the Role 

Sydney Water is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and influential Commercial Manager to join our team. This pivotal role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and delivering high‑value commercial opportunities that align with Sydney Water’s strategic objectives and drive long‑term organisational value.

As Commercial Manager, you will lead the commercial stream for design development strategy and partnership activities. You will manage contract and commercial negotiations to ensure value for money, proactively mitigate commercial risks, and apply dispute‑avoidance strategies and lessons learned from previous projects. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with the Program Delivery Senior Commercial Manager and serve as the primary point of contact for all commercial matters.

What you’ll do

• Work collaboratively with Project Working Groups and stakeholders to understand strategic business objectives and align commercial priorities to deliver improved outcomes for Sydney Water.
• Provide subject matter expertise in commercial and contractual matters, including contributing to financial management where appropriate.
• Guide and support project teams on procurement, sourcing, and contract management processes, systems, procedures, templates, and sanctioned documentation.
• Maintain clear visibility of the project pipeline to support resource planning and proactively engage with the business to ensure adequate support for upcoming activities.
• Improve stakeholder experience and buy‑in while ensuring strong governance throughout the entire procurement lifecycle.
• Provide expert advice, direction, and review of Procurement Strategies, tender evaluations, and recommendations for award.
• Lead supplier negotiations on behalf of the Project Working Group as required.
• Step in when necessary to support or lead complex sourcing activities or supplier negotiations.
• Oversee and guide Commercial Specialists in developing and delivering commercial solutions and project outcomes.
• Identify and champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial outcomes for Sydney Water.
• Ensure effective contract management and realisation of expected benefits throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support supplier relationship management for major and strategic suppliers.
• Coach, mentor, and develop Commercial Specialists to deliver best‑in‑class procurement services, contributing to uplift in capability and procurement maturity.
• Foster a growth mindset and continuous improvement culture, driving initiatives to enhance value, efficiency, productivity, and simplification of processes and technology.

About you

You bring extensive experience in contract and commercial management across high‑value, high‑risk construction and infrastructure projects. You possess a strong understanding of construction law and have led high‑performing teams. Your exceptional stakeholder engagement skills enable you to influence and collaborate effectively with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

What you’ll bring

• 10+ years’ experience in contract and commercial management and/or business partnering within large, complex organisations, ideally in a similar sector.
• 5+ years’ experience in a leadership role (desirable).
• Relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Construction Law, Engineering) or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with the business to deliver effective contract and commercial outcomes.
• Ability to partner closely with stakeholders while maintaining appropriate functional independence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex commercial matters through reports and presentations.
• Proven stakeholder management skills across diverse internal groups and external suppliers.
• Strong commercial acumen, with deep understanding of utility‑sector financial drivers and experience operating in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor a team of commercial professionals to deliver excellent commercial services. 

Essential Requirements: 

• You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role. 
• As part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment either online or in person.   
• Flexibility to travel across Sydney Water sites as required. 

Closing Date: Friday 3^rd April 2026.

For more information, or to request an accommodation information, you can contact priscilla.dahdah@sydneywater.com.au

Dive into Our Great Benefits! 

Competitive Compensation: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately. 

Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being. 

Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success. 

24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal. 

Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans. 

Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a generous childcare allowance. 

Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW. 

Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options. 

At Sydney Water, we are passionate about making a difference to the lives of our customers and communities. We have a proud heritage and progressive future providing world class drinking water and services that are vital to our customers’ quality of life and safeguarding Sydney’s future. We see the world is changing, so we are changing too.

Our vision is to create better lives through world-class services, and we believe that starts with our people. Our people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities we serve. Our diverse skills, mindsets and backgrounds work together on exciting and challenging projects that make a difference and help ensure Sydney remains one of the most iconic and liveable cities in the world.

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and veterans.

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. We will also use your personal information to establish a LiveHire talent profile in our Talent Community. We look at our Talent Community first when new opportunities come up when you apply for a role. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application. Please see the position description for the role’s full accountabilities.

Please see Job Profile for the role’s full accountabilities