Contracts & Program Delivery Senior Manager

Work Type : Contract / Temp 18-month contract, true temp to perm $200k + Super + NFP benefits Critical Contract & Procurement Delivery Management Role Contracts & Program Delivery Senior Manager | National R&D and Industry Services Organisation Join a national industry body investing annually into research, biosecurity programs and market development. As the business continues to scale and mature, we are seeking a Contracts & Program Delivery Senior Manager to lead the contract lifecycle across a large and diverse portfolio of research and service delivery partners. This is an 18-month contract with strong potential to go permanent. You’ll play a key role in strengthening commercial practice, improving processes, and supporting better outcomes for the industry stakeholders. The Opportunity This role oversees the end-to-end contract management process across approximately 1,000 active contracts, ranging from major, multi-year research programs to smaller project grants. You’ll lead a team responsible for tender evaluation, contract drafting, milestone management, compliance and ongoing contract performance. This is not project delivery or hands‑on research. Instead, you will work closely with internal industry teams, scientists, delivery partners and universities to ensure contracts are well‑structured, well‑managed and aligned to intended program outcomes. There is already a baseline structure in place, however there is opportunity to lift commercial discipline, streamline processes, and implement recommendations from a recent operating review. Key Responsibilities Lead contract lifecycle management from tender through close-out, including evaluation, drafting, negotiation and milestone oversight Strengthen commercial review and contract structuring to improve clarity, accountability and performance Oversee contract governance, compliance and reporting across a complex stakeholder network Guide and mentor a team across contract admin, procurement and milestone management Partner with internal R&D and industry teams to ensure contract activities align with investment plans and stakeholder expectations Support the implementation of process and system improvements, including digitisation of standard contracts Provide forecasting insights and input into investment planning and expenditure reporting About You Proven experience in contract management or commercial delivery roles Experience in Procurement with a heavy contract bent Able to manage contract portfolios at scale, ideally with varied contract value and complexity Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to improve practices without disrupting delivery Confident working with technical or specialist stakeholders and guiding them through process Comfortable balancing compliance with pragmatic, fit‑for‑purpose solutions Leadership experience and the ability to mentor a capable, long‑tenured team Industry backgrounds that work well include : industrial, manufacturing, engineering, services, government‑linked, research, agriculture or NFP Why Join? 18-month contract with strong likelihood of permanency Salary : $200,000 + Super + Not‑for‑Profit salary packaging benefits Hybrid work : 2–3 days in the office Work with purpose, delivering programs that directly benefit Australian growers and industry Collaborative and supportive culture with secure statutory funding If you’re a commercial‑minded contract leader who can balance structure with pragmatism and enjoys working across a broad and meaningful stakeholder landscape, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of contract delivery for a growing national industry organisation. #J-18808-Ljbffr