Commercial Manager

Job description

The Commercial Manager leads the commercial function for assigned Hyperscale Data Centre projects, overseeing all financial, contractual, and procurement activities throughout the construction lifecycle. Responsible for ensuring commercial integrity, cost efficiency, and effective risk management, the role works closely with project teams, contractors, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver strong commercial performance and achieve project objectives aligned with the company’s strategic goals. The role is suited to an experienced commercial leader with a strong construction background, ideally gained on the builder or principal contractor side, who can bring a delivery-focused approach to managing complex construction projects and driving commercial outcomes. The position may be considered at Senior Commercial Manager level, depending on experience, project exposure and leadership capability. What will you do: Leadership & Culture Lead and develop high-performing commercial teams. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and commercial excellence. Commercial Strategy & Planning Develop commercial, procurement, and contracting strategies. Support project planning through cost modelling and forecasting. Contract Management Negotiate and manage contracts with contractors, consultants, and vendors. Oversee variations, claims, disputes, and contractual compliance. Cost Management Manage budgets, cost control, forecasting, and financial reporting. Monitor cash flow and financial risk. Risk & Compliance Identify and mitigate commercial risks. Ensure compliance with contractual, legal, and governance requirements. Stakeholder Management Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Provide strategic commercial advice to project leadership. Commercial Performance Drive commercial integrity, cost efficiency, and value across project delivery. What will you need: Proven leadership and stakeholder management capabilities. Extensive commercial management experience within construction projects, ideally in data centres or other mission-critical environments. Strong knowledge of Australian construction regulations, procurement frameworks, and approval processes. Advanced contract administration and financial management expertise. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Proficiency in commercial and project management systems, including Aconex, Procore, and Microsoft applications Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic project environment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 10+ years’ experience in commercial management within the construction or infrastructure sectors. Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Law, Finance or a related discipline. Professional certifications such as MRICS, PMP, or AIQS highly regarded. Experience working with principal contractors or in client-side commercial leadership roles preferred Be part of a fast-growing, future-focused technology company Play a key role in supporting AI and digital infrastructure in Australia Thrive in a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven culture Access career development and progression opportunities as we expand Our mission is to continue building a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents the communities in which we operate. Make NEXTDC your next move. At NEXTDC we are building the heart of Australia & Asia’s high-tech future. We design, build and operate world class, next generation data centres, using cutting edge, environmentally efficient infrastructure to service the specific requirements of local, international customers. NEXTDC is an exciting ASX 100-listed technology company, only 16 years young and operating 17 data centres across 7 major cities in Australia, with multiple international sites in development to support our customer’s digital infrastructure. At NEXTDC our success depends on the talents of our people, and we foster a culture of continued learning and development. Our culture is built on collaboration and innovation, we are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to our mission to be the leading customer-centric data centre services company. Where Cloud lives and AI thrives