Commercial Director

Downer, in joint venture with CPB Contractors, is delivering the ~$2bn Riverina Redevelopment program – one of Australia’s most complex Defence infrastructure projects, including the Albury Wodonga Military Area (AWMA), RAAF Base Wagga (RBW), and Blamey Barracks Kapooka (BBK).

This transformative initiative will reshape Defence capability across the region for the decades to follow and requires exceptional commercial leadership at its core.

The Opportunity

As the Commercial Director – Riverina Redevelopment Program, you will be at the forefront of a key Defence and nationally significant infrastructure program, driving excellence and innovation in commercial strategy and execution.

Your Remit Will Include:

• Leading the development and execution of the RRJV’s commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with Commonwealth Defence priorities and partner organisations’ governance frameworks.
• Act as the principal commercial adviser to the Project Director and Joint Venture leadership team, providing insights and recommendations on material commercial decisions.
• Own accountability for all commercial issues and initiatives across the RRJV program, including leading and mentoring a high-performing commercial team.
• Manage all major contract negotiations, variations, and commercial settlements with clients, subcontractors, and supply chain partners.
• Partner with RRJV managers and business development teams to secure renewals, pipeline opportunities, and unsolicited proposals.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks across the program, and lead the development and maintenance of the RRJV risk and opportunity register.

What you may bring to the role

We are seeking a deeply experienced commercial professional to lead and drive the joint venture’s commercial function. This role requires an individual who can ensure rigour, transparency, and trust in all engagements with internal and external stakeholders.

• Senior leadership experience in commercial management within large, complex programs (>$500m), preferably in Infrastructure/Construction, Defence, or Government-funded projects. Expertise in government contracting, compliance with Commonwealth procurement frameworks is advantageous.
• Deep financial acumen with experience in financial modelling, cost planning, performance reporting, and commercial risk analysis, and managing major contract negotiations, variations, and dispute resolution.
• Proven track record in business development, securing renewals, shaping unsolicited proposals, and supporting growth strategies.
• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing commercial teams and managing stakeholder relationships at the executive and government level.
• A degree in Commerce, Law, Finance, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Post-tertiary qualification desired, however not essential.

Due to the nature of this program, Australian citizenship is required.

We value people who are passionate about what they do, bring energy and agility to their work, and thrive in safe, purpose-led and collaborative environments. Your attitude, adaptability and commitment are just as important as your experience.

A detailed position description can be obtained upon application or request.

What It Means to Belong at Downer 

You want your work to matter and so do we.  With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas. 

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals.  Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you. 

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it. 

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.