Associate Director - Contract Administrator (CAO1)
AECOM · Cairns, QLD, Australia · hybrid
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Lead the delivery of major infrastructure projects that shape Queensland.
At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. Across Queensland, our teams are helping government and industry partners deliver the transport infrastructure that connects communities, supports economic growth and prepares our cities and regions for the future.
The Associate Director - Contract Administrator (CAO1) is responsible for managing major road infrastructure construction contracts as assigned and ensuring the contracts are completed to a specified standard and within budget and time.
You will:
• Contribute to the establishment and administration of major government road infrastructure contracts
to ensure appropriate quality standards are met and contracts are completed to time, cost and
quality requirements.
• Perform the role of Administrator (Superintendent), Administrator’s Representative or Principal’s
Representative Agent in the administration and surveillance of contracts, in accordance with the
Department of Transport and Main Roads Standards, Contract Procedures and General Conditions
of Contract.
• Liaise with project, technical and operational staff to coordinate external service authorities,
community industry groups, other agencies and Local Government authorities affected by the works.
• Manage and co-ordinate all phases of the contract administration of road infrastructure projects in
terms of quality, safety and environmental issues and contribute to the development and
documentation of quality management procedures to facilitate the effective delivery of projects to a
high standard.
• Manage a team of engineers, technical staff and external advisors in the delivery of infrastructure
projects, monitoring and reviewing all technical aspects of the project and ensuring that appropriate
standards are adopted for project objectives.
• Use appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms with respect to all phases of project delivery
of infrastructure programs, guiding continuous improvement.
• Provide reports and briefing notes on a variety of issues including the status of works, expenditure
against program / project, conditions of the state road network and major incidents, and
• Monitor expenditure on the works including costs of contract payments, contract administration and
Principal’s materials / services against the project budget and forecast expenditure trends and cash
flow requirements for the balance of the project.
What you’ll bring
- A degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent Civil Engineering qualification, which is accepted by the Institution of Engineers Australia as a full Member (MIEAust), and
- Registration as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).
- A minimum of six years of experience in supporting the administration of road infrastructure
- contracts.
- A minimum of seven years of post-graduate experience in any combination of the contract
- administration, construction, maintenance or design of road infrastructure projects.
- Demonstrated experience in all contract administration aspects of road infrastructure construction including asphalt and granular pavements, pavement surfacing, road furniture, bridge, earthworks, drainage, electrical, Intelligent Transport System (ITS), landscape and urban design, and retaining walls.
- Demonstrated sound consultation, conflict avoidance, and group facilitation skills, and
- Demonstrated expertise in managing and supervising projects to Transport and Main Roads policies, standards and specifications.
The projects you’ll work on
You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to some of Queensland’s most significant infrastructure programs, working across complex projects that can include:
- Major road upgrades and transport infrastructure
- High-value construct-only and Design & Construct projects
- Bridges and major structures
- Earthworks and complex pavement construction
- Drainage and stormwater infrastructure
- Road furniture and safety infrastructure
- Electrical infrastructure and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
- Landscaping and urban design
- Retaining structures and associated civil works
- Complex multidisciplinary transport programs
This role provides the opportunity to work at the intersection of construction, contracts, commercial management and project leadership — with genuine influence over how major infrastructure projects are delivered.
Why you’ll love working with us
- Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, job-sharing, and hybrid work options.
- Purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year.
- Volunteer and representation leave.
- Flex public holidays—swap Easter or other holidays for those that suit you better.
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.
Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected. If this opportunity resonates with you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
AECOM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and our communities live and work around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures and to their Elders — past, present, and emerging. We are committed to connecting to Country in our work through meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses. Find out more about our Australian Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://aecom.com/au/our-vision-for-reconciliation/.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working f