Commercial & Contract Lead

HKA is a leading infrastructure project, strategy, commercial advisory and dispute resolution company. We provide advisory and transformation services to major infrastructure clients and large asset businesses to help them achieve their goals through strategic and operational excellence.

Our Advisory team is an agile group that works with clients to set up their portfolios, programmes and projects for success. We thrive on supporting clients with their most complex challenges and opportunities that are varied and interesting. We have a compelling track record of providing practical, pragmatic solutions and partnering with our clients to implement strategic change. 

As part of the HKA team you can expect:

• The opportunity to work on high-profile projects across diverse sectors including energy, renewable energy and infrastructure.

• The opportunity to be a part of a rapidly growing team and be part of driving the future success and development of our global business.

• The ability to leverage HKA’s strong brand in the construction space and reputation for exceptional expert witnesses to accelerate career development and connections.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for a Commercial & Contract Lead to join our Advisory team based in Sydney and Brisbane. This is a pivotal role for a commercially astute leader who can build and develop a high‑performing team and remain deeply involved in day‑to‑day project delivery. You will shape and deliver major infrastructure programs, lead complex commercial and contractual activities, and elevate our capability across portfolios and projects. With strong industry networks and a proven ability to influence outcomes, you will drive strategic growth, enhance client value, grow the existing offering and position HKA as a trusted partner across the energy, water, transport and infrastructure sectors.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the successful delivery of complex commercial and contract management engagements, applying technical expertise, sector insight, and commercial acumen to optimise outcomes for clients.

• Provide strategic commercial guidance to clients across major infrastructure portfolios, programs, and projects, supporting informed decision-making at senior levels.

• Oversee commercial assessments, contract negotiations, and administration, including the effective management of claims, disputes, and contract variations.

• Review and evaluate commercial submissions and upstream/downstream contracts, identifying key risks and implementing robust mitigation strategies.

• Manage commercial and contract activities across the full project lifecycle, ensuring alignment with client objectives and adherence to contractual and governance requirements.

• Collaborate across HKA’s service lines, integrating Commercial & Contracts expertise with all disciplines to deliver cohesive, high-value client solutions.

• Support the development of integrated client propositions and multidisciplinary engagements, contributing to differentiated go-to-market offerings.

• Drive business development and client origination, contributing to the growth of a sustainable pipeline through existing relationships, market engagement, and targeted pursuits.

• Build and maintain trusted client relationships, supporting account growth and identifying opportunities for cross-service collaboration.

• Support the development and mentoring of team members, helping to build capability and strengthen the Commercial & Contracts offering.

• Contribute to practice development initiatives, including methodologies, tools, and thought leadership, to enhance service delivery and market positioning.

Skills & Experience

We are seeking a commercially astute leader with a strong track record in delivering complex projects and supporting business growth. You will ideally bring:

• 10+ years’ experience in commercial and contract management, with strong post-contract delivery expertise, including management of upstream and downstream risks. Experience supporting front-end tendering and early project phases is highly desirable.

• Background within professional services, Tier 1 contractors, or major infrastructure/project environments.

• Experience across utilities, transport, energy, or renewable energy sectors.

• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive pragmatic, outcome-focused solutions.

• Solid understanding of contract law, contract administration, and standard contract frameworks (e.g. NEC experience advantageous).

• Demonstrated experience in managing and developing teams, with the ability to mentor and guide junior professionals.

• Proven capability in business development and client origination, including contributing to pipeline development, supporting proposal efforts, and winning work.

• Established industry network and client relationships, with the ability to leverage these to support growth objectives.

• Experience working within integrated, multidisciplinary environments, collaborating across multidisciplinary services to deliver end-to-end client value.

• Demonstrated expertise in claims management, including preparation, assessment, negotiation, and resolution of claims.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Experience collaborating with cost management and forecasting teams to support both strategic and operational outcomes.

What we offer:

At HKA we recognise that our people are critical to our ongoing success. Our priority is to provide an inclusive and collaborative culture aimed at providing the best opportunities for our people to thrive and develop in their chosen career path.

We operate a flexible working pattern both in terms of hours and location and are happy with flexible remote working.

Our Global Recruitment team is committed to providing an authentic candidate experience for all those who take the time to apply to HKA. We are committed to providing an efficient and insightful recruitment process giving candidates a true reflection of life at HKA. We are committed to responding to all applicants who apply by the closing date.

ED&I at HKA:

HKA has a thriving ED&I committee working hard to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for a truly diverse set of employees. We are committed as a business on the continued improvement of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, please visit our website for further information or feel free to ask our recruitment team for further information. 

All HKA employment decisions are firstly made on merit and shall be made without regard to age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marriage, and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other basis in compliance with local legislation.

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