Commercial Lead Pre Contracts

About Zinfra:

Zinfra is a leading partner in the design, build, operation and maintenance of Australia’s energy and utilities infrastructure. Delivering over $1B portfolio annually, the work we do is essential to bringing energy to our communities safely and reliably, while powering the nation’s energy transition. With a diverse workforce of more than 2,300, we expertly deliver our services across Australia.  

About the role: 

We’re seeking to engage a new Commercial Lead – Pre‑Contracts to join our high performing Projects business, you will play a pivotal role in protecting value and optimising upside for Zinfra by providing expert commercial insight where it matters most. Working closely with operational teams, you will lead the development and implementation of robust commercial strategies, embed sound governance, and proactively manage risk across pre‑contract and delivery phases. This is an opportunity to influence, mentor and uplift commercial capability across the business, while supporting successful, efficient and high‑performing project outcomes. If you thrive on collaboration, challenge and driving smarter commercial decisions, we want to hear from you.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Leading, mentoring and developing commercial team members to enhance engagement, capability, performance and accountability across delivery teams.
• Educating and coaching operational stakeholders to uplift commercial acumen, contract management capability and risk awareness.
• Embedding and maintaining compliance with commercial, governance and risk management policies, frameworks and delegated authorities.
• Developing and implementing commercial and risk strategies across the project and program lifecycle to protect value and optimise upside.
• Supporting and overseeing contract administration activities, including change management, claims, variations, record keeping and dispute avoidance.
• Negotiating and managing subcontractor and supplier commercial arrangements in accordance with head contract requirements and procurement strategies.
• Monitoring and reporting contract performance, risks and opportunities, escalating matters appropriately and supporting assurance activities.
• Partnering and collaborating with Project, Operations and Procurement teams to deliver consistent, efficient and best‑practice commercial outcomes.
• Promoting safe and compliant behaviours, ensuring commercial activities are undertaken in line with health, safety, environmental and legislative obligations

About you: 

We are seeking someone with 2–5 years of experience at a law firm plus 1–3 years of experience in industry, preferably transaction experience within infrastructure, construction, energy, utilities or major projects environments.

Your resume should demonstrate strong commercial leadership within energy or civil infrastructure environments with the ability to protect value and apply legal training with strong commercial judgment. You will show confidence influencing stakeholders, resolving disputes, mentoring others and translating commercial, legal and operational requirements into practical outcomes that support safe, profitable and compliant delivery.

To be selected for interview your resume should demonstrate your experience:

• Negotiating and managing upstream revenue contracts, including change control, claims and dispute resolution
• Managing multiple subcontractor and supplier agreements concurrently, aligned to head contract obligations
• Practical experience with Australian Standard contracts, bespoke construction contracts and subcontracting frameworks
• Understanding of project delivery risks in complex infrastructure environments, how they materialise post award
• Applying contract law principles across a range of delivery models (D&C, construct-only, managing contractor, O&M)
• Implementing back‑to‑back contracting and effective flow‑down and flow‑up risk allocation
• Coaching and mentoring commercial and operational colleagues to uplift commercial capability
• Integrating commercial, financial, legal and operational considerations to achieve profitable, safe project outcomes

Why you should work for us 

What we do matters. Delivering safe and reliable energy makes a difference to people’s lives across our country every single day. We are proud to keep Australia connected while preparing the nation for a renewable future. Our people are our energy source. We offer meaningful benefits and rewards, including being a certified family-friendly workplace, flexible work arrangements, various leave benefits, career development pathways, a wellbeing program, and more.  

We know Zinfra is a great place to belong—but don’t just take our word for it; hear our team members share what working at Zinfra means to them.  

We champion and value diversity in life and work experiences, as we know everyone benefits from broader diversity of thoughts in our problem solving, decision making and ability to innovate. We encourage applications from everyone, including First Nations people, veterans, people living with a disability and members of the LGBTIQA+ community. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

Recruitment Process 

During our recruitment process, you may be required to undertake pre-employment checks including pre-employment medical, reference checks and a national police check. 

Notice to Third Parties: Zinfra does not accept unsolicited resumes (or liability associated with fees or costs) from recruitment agencies, search firms or third parties. Interested candidates are welcome to submit their application independently. 

Any questions? Reach out! Jack.betton@jemena.com.au / 03 9173 8986