Deputy Director (Contract Management – Development)

About the role

The Deputy Director (Contract Management – Development) leads the end‑to‑end contract management function for all development project contracts, covering the full lifecycle from pre‑construction design through to post‑construction final account closure. The role safeguards the organisation’s interests while enabling timely delivery of community infrastructure.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all development contracts across the full project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with internal policies, government instructions and authority requirements.
• Develop and maintain governance frameworks for variation orders, extensions of time, loss and expense claims and final account negotiations.
• Provide expert contractual advice to senior management on complex or contentious matters, including dispute resolution and claims management.
• Monitor contract performance, track milestones, financial commitments and contractor performance, and implement risk mitigation measures.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with project divisions, consultants and contractors, ensuring clear communication of the organisation’s position.
• Lead the creation of a construction cost database and analytics to support benchmarking and decision‑making.
• Identify and implement continuous‑improvement opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen controls and leverage technology.
• Develop team capability, manage budget and manpower planning, and oversee work‑plan development.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in contract administration for development projects across the full lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge of governance, variation management, extensions of time and final account processes.
• Proven ability to advise senior leadership on complex contractual issues and dispute resolution.
• Excellent stakeholder‑management skills with a track record of building collaborative relationships.
• Leadership experience in developing high‑performing teams and managing resources.

Required skills