Commercial Manager

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of cost forecasting and cost control across all Melrose Built projects, so the business always knows its true commercial position.

You will work with the leadership team to deliver accurate monthly cost reporting and forecasting. You will partner with project teams on scope, procurement and contract management, and support the business through contract disputes.

What You Will Be Doing

• Own monthly cost reporting and forecasting across all projects, including cost to complete, forecast final cost and margin
• Work with the Managing Director, Financial Controller and Team Leaders to ensure cost reports are accurate and reconcile to the ledger
• Set up project budgets and cost codes at handover, and monitor committed and actual costs against budget
• Identify cost overruns and margin erosion early, and lead recovery actions with project teams
• Review scope, trade packages and tender comparisons with Project Managers and Contract Administrators before procurement
• Support head contract and subcontract administration, including progress claims, variations, EOTs and notices
• Assist with contract disputes, including claim substantiation, BIF Act payment claims and adjudication
• Coach Contract Administrators and project teams to lift commercial capability across the business

About You

• You are an experienced commercial manager, cost manager, or quantity surveyor with a commercial builder
• You have a proven track record of monthly cost reporting and forecasting across multiple projects
• You are confident challenging assumptions and presenting the real commercial position, even when it’s uncomfortable
• You are organised, detail-focused and dependable, with strong commercial acumen

Required Licences and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field
• Construction White Card
• Valid Driver Licence

Experience

• 7+ years in commercial management, cost management, or quantity surveying
• Strong working knowledge of Australian Standard contracts (AS 4000, AS 2124 and similar)
• Experience preparing and resolving variations, EOTs, claims and contract disputes, including BIF Act processes
• The ability to engage, influence and respectfully challenge project teams and senior leadership
• Experience with Jobpac (or a similar ERP) and Procore will be advantageous
• A values-led team built on Care, Dependability, Excellence and Courage
• Variety across new build, fitout and refurbishment projects
• 4 weeks annual leave plus 5 days paid wellbeing leave
• A direct line to the Managing Director and real influence on how the business performs