Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $188,297 - $256,088
Grade: VPS 7
Occupation: Other
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 8899
About the role
Reporting to the Director, Commercial Roads the Senior Commercial Manager has the accountability for managing nominated Road Public Private Partnerships (PPP) using a comprehensive range of specialist commercial skills, drawing on technical and legal input as required. This includes, but not limited to, providing principal and authoritative advice relating to financial and commercial matters, and being the key point of contact for PPP partners on all aspects of the contracts including Quarterly Service Payments (QSP’s), variations to contracts, disputes and financial models. The role may also work on other projects and initiatives in Commercial Advisory, and with stakeholders across DTP and the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF).
Key Selection Criteria
The role requires a senior professional with strong contract management capabilities, including leading stakeholder engagement, influencing and persuading across complex political and organisational contexts with robust governance and risk management. The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced critical thinking, flexibility, and collaboration to develop sustainable solutions on behalf of the State.. Technical expertise in contract management, including supplier relationship management, risk mitigation, and performance optimisation, is essential to maximise value to the State and ensure the required service delivery.
To access the Position Description, please click here.
Position accountabilities
The Department of Transport and Planning is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager to lead and manage key Road Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), ensuring risks to the State are effectively mitigated through legal, technical, and financial oversight. In this role, you will be responsible for the calculation and payment of Quarterly Service Payments for availability-based PPPs and hold ownership of the associated financial models. You will work closely with the Director, Commercial Roads, and teams across Commercial Advisory to develop innovative solutions to complex commercial issues arising from the PPPs and coordinate ongoing matters, including contractual amendments and approvals.
You will lead and develop a high-performing team, ensuring all commercial matters and risks are identified, assessed, and managed to a high standard. Using strong negotiation and influencing skills, you will collaborate with colleagues and other business areas across the Department to provide effective and consistent contract management. The role may also involve contributing to broader commercial initiatives across Commercial Advisory, applying your expertise to enhance value and outcomes for the Department.
The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in managing complex commercial arrangements, with a strong focus on risk management, stakeholder engagement, and financial oversight. You will demonstrate the ability to lead teams, deliver innovative solutions, and work effectively across a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the Department’s high-priority transport projects while driving commercial excellence and continuous improvement.
Qualifications and experience
Mandatory
– Relevant tertiary qualification in commerce, finance, accounting or a related discipline.
– Extensive experience managing commercial contracts preferably in Transport or Infrastructure.
– Strong collaborative, interpersonal and consultation skills, with the ability to liaise effectively across the organisation and with external stakeholders.
– Strong experience in providing high level advice to executives and senior management.
Desirable
– Understanding of budgeting and basic accounting concepts.
– Experience with Victorian State Government systems and processes.
Culture Value
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.
What we offer
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.
Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.
How to apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.
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Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday, 5th December 2025.
Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.
For further information about the role, please contact Leigh Bracken – Director, Commercial Roads via [email protected].
Important Information:
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