Head of Contracts and Commercial

Head of Contracts and Commercial

Shape commercial strategy across Victoria’s major infrastructure projects.

Drive procurement excellence in a complex, regulated environment.

Lead and inspire a high-performing team in a values-led organisation.

V/Line’s purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. We believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport – connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism and trade.

We are experiencing significant growth and delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on us to deliver. You could be one of our 3100 committed team members who are up to the challenge.

About the role

Reporting to the Director Asset Coordination, this senior leadership role is responsible for driving commercial and contractual strategy across V/Line’s infrastructure portfolio. As a key service provider within the internal procurement structure, you’ll lead procurement, contract management, cost control, and stakeholder negotiations. Your work will directly influence financial performance, compliance, and strategic decision-making across high-impact projects.

Key accountabilities include:

Lead contract development, negotiation, and execution.
Manage procurement strategies and supplier relationships.
Oversee cost control, financial forecasting, and risk mitigation.
Monitor compliance with contract and procurement obligations.
Provide commercial insights to senior leadership.
Support dispute resolution and claims management.
Foster a high-performance team culture.
Collaborate across legal, finance, and operational functions.

About you

You’re a commercially confident leader with deep expertise in contracts and procurement. You bring a strategic mindset to service delivery and thrive in regulated environments. You’re skilled at navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and committed to ethical, transparent decision-making.

What you bring:

10+ years’ experience in commercial and contract management.
Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement capability.
Expertise in procurement, cost control, and risk management.
Proven ability to support compliance in regulated sectors.
Skilled in negotiation, dispute resolution, and strategic planning.
Demonstrated alignment with V/Line’s values: responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership, and human rights
Desirable

Knowledge of Victorian Government procurement frameworks (highly desirable)
Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
If your skills or experience don’t exactly match our listed requirements, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and believe in the potential for growth and development.

Why V/Line

In addition to free myki travel, we offer:

Community impact – Make a genuine difference. Work in a role that connects Victorians, every day.
Huge potential – We’re transforming, and you can too. Be a change maker, recognised for your contribution and creativity.
Dynamic environment – V/Line operates in a constantly changing space. Join a fast-paced and exciting organisation.
Collaborative team – You’ll be part of a broader supportive team. Surround yourself with talented, passionate peers.
Flexible working – We support flexible working. Work in a way that supports you to thrive in your role.
We are committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible recruitment experience. If you need any adjustments or have specific accessibility requirements at any stage of the process, please contact our Talent team at TalentSupport@vline.com.au or 1800 800 007 for confidential support.

As an equal opportunity employer, V/Line is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace and network that reflects the communities we serve. We accept and value the contributions of all our employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability.

We proudly acknowledge First Peoples of Victoria. We acknowledge their ongoing strength in practicing the world’s oldest living culture. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners’ lands, waters, and skies on which we live and pay respects to their Elders past and present.

At V/Line, safety is our priority. Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet our safeworking standards.

The total remuneration package for this role starts at approximately $195,900 inclusive of superannuation, with flexibility based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Enjoy a complimentary Myki pass for travel across metropolitan and regional Victoria, and unlock limitless career development in a flexible, supportive environment at V/Line.

Applications close: 11.59 pm, Sunday 17th August 2025.

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