Operational Contracts Manager

• Lead a capable team and influence a significant operational contracts portfolio
• Genuine mandate to drive commercial improvement and create measurable value
• Hobart, Launceston or Devonport | Hybrid working and flexibility

OnTalent is proud to be partnering with a leading Tasmanian essential services organisation to appoint an Operational Contracts Manager to its Operations team.

This is an opportunity to step into a role with genuine scope to influence, improve and shape how a significant organisation manages its operational contracts.

With an established team of three and a substantial portfolio of high-value, multi-year contracts, the foundations are there. What the organisation is looking for now is a commercially minded leader who can look beyond day-to-day contract management and identify where things can be done better.
You'll have the opportunity to challenge existing arrangements, strengthen commercial performance, improve supplier outcomes and help mature contract management practices across the function.

The opportunity Reporting to an experienced and supportive leader, you'll take responsibility for operational contracts spanning critical services and infrastructure across Tasmania.

You'll lead and develop a capable team while working closely with operational leaders, supply chain specialists and suppliers to:

• Drive stronger commercial outcomes and value for money
• Optimise existing high-value operational contracts
• Identify cost efficiencies and opportunities within organisational spend
• Strengthen supplier performance and accountability
• Improve contract management processes and practices
• Support complex negotiations, renewals and new contractual arrangements
• Build trusted relationships across a diverse stakeholder environment
• Lead continuous improvement across the function

The formal portfolio includes major state-wide programs and operational contracts, with individual areas of responsibility extending beyond $10 million annually.

About you We're looking for someone who combines strong contract management capability with commercial curiosity.

You'll be comfortable asking the difficult questions. Are we receiving the value we should? Is this contract structured effectively? Is supplier performance where it needs to be? Is there a better commercial approach?

You'll ideally bring experience across high-value supply or service contracts, commercial negotiation, supplier performance and contract optimisation, alongside demonstrated people leadership.
Your background could come from utilities, infrastructure, government, government-owned organisations, councils or a complex private-sector environment.

Utilities experience would be advantageous, but it isn't essential. Of greater importance is your ability to operate within a complex and highly governed environment while bringing strong commercial thinking and an improvement mindset.

Why this opportunity? There is real appeal here for someone who wants their next move to provide more than another portfolio of contracts to manage.
You'll have:

• A capable existing team to lead and develop
• Genuine scope to influence how the function evolves
• Significant contracts where commercial improvement can make a visible difference
• A supportive leadership environment with autonomy to get the job done
• Hybrid working and genuine flexibility
• The choice of being based in Hobart, Launceston or Devonport

If you're looking for a contracts leadership role where you can make an impact, create commercial value and help build something better, we'd love to hear from you.

Interested? For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Ashleigh McMillan, Client Partner, OnTalent 07 30055803 or email [email protected]

At OnTalent, we are committed to creating diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities and value the unique perspectives they bring.