Senior Commercial Manager I2S

About Inland Rail

Inland Rail Pty Ltd is delivering a 1,600km freight line that is transforming how goods are moved around Australia. When fully operational, Inland Rail will connect Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. As one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, Inland Rail is helping to address the nation’s future freight needs and meet the demands of our growing population.

Delivering Inland Rail will help shift more goods onto rail which means safer, less congested roads and fewer emissions and a more resilient and sustainable national freight network.

More information relating to the project can be found here: Inland Rail

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Inland Rail commercial leadership team, the Senior Commercial Manager will provide strategic commercial direction, contract management, negotiation, risk management and have oversight of all contract and commercial activities across the Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) project.

This role is responsible for end to end commercial management, from procurement and contract strategy through to negotiation, variation management, dispute resolution, performance oversight and contract close out.

Key responsibilities included but are not limited to:

  • Lead commercial strategy, planning, governance and contract management across I2S.
  • Manage and mentor the commercial team, including resourcing and performance.
  • Oversee contractor management, negotiations, variations, claims and dispute resolution.
  • Ensure effective commercial reporting, risk identification and financial alignment (Prism, Ci Financials).
  • Drive strong supplier relationships and ensure compliance with commercial principles and delivery frameworks.
  • Support procurement, mobilisation, delivery and contract close‑out activities

Regular site travel is required in this role with average of twice a month with 2 -3 days at a time

About you

You should possess extensive commercial management experience across major infrastructure, construction or engineering programs, supported by advanced negotiation and dispute resolution capability. Your ability to proactively influence, collaborate and build effective relationships with contractors and key internal stakeholders is critical for success in this leadership position.

Additionally to be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

  • Proven end‑to‑end commercial experience managing large‑scale Design & Construct (D&C) contracts valued in excess of $250M, with strong understanding of commercial risk and delivery requirements.
  • Strong leadership capability, with experience building and developing high‑performing commercial teams.
  • Deep knowledge of commercial principles, procurement strategy, contract law, risk allocation and commercial governance frameworks.
  • The ability to operate strategically while maintaining a strong delivery focus, ensuring commercial outcomes align with project objectives
  • Tertiary or above qualifications in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Commercial, Law, Construction or a relevant discipline.
  • Drivers Licence C class

What you’ll be joining

  • You will join one of the largest infrastructure programs in Australia.
  • This project will generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in local investment, boosting regional economies and communities right along the alignment.
  • Inland Rail is proud to have over 40% female representation and we would like to see these numbers grow.
  • Inland Rail is an Agile working environment in our State-of-the Art office embracing flexible working conditions.

Our Organisation and Culture

The values that drive us and the work we deliver in the program incorporate Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.  We welcome like-minded individuals who value our culture.

At Inland Rail, we celebrate, support, and thrive on attracting people from all horizons and walks of life for the benefit of our employees, our program, and our community. Inland Rail is proud to be an equal opportunity and an affirmative action employer. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to submit their details to us.

All employment is decided based on suitability to the role, cultural fit, merit, and business needs.

Apply Now

If this opportunity sounds like the challenge you have been looking for please apply online today.

As part of the application process, you will be required to undergo pre-employment criminal history, reference and medical checks, including drug and alcohol testing. Inland Rail is a drug and alcohol-free working environment.

Applications close: 22nd March 2026 

Please note that applications are reviewed from point of advertising so don’t delay your application.

Date posted: February 27, 2026
Closing date: March 22, 2026

Sydney Permanent - Full-time
Apply now