Commercial Manager

Who is Watco? 

Watco is a family-based business established in 1983 in Pittsburg, Kansas with strong roots tied to our 'Customer First' Foundation Principles. Watco Australia operates rail services on the West and East coasts of Australia, providing container and bulk transportation solutions for customers in the grain, agriculture, livestock, rail infrastructure, minerals and steel manufacturing industries. 

Watco Australia is a dynamic and growth focused organisation that is currently growing nationally. We have operations in Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales. Due to our continual growth, we have an opening for a Commercial Manager to join our team.

About the Role 

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for providing commercial management support to Watco in Australia as it strategically grows through new business opportunities and effectively maintains existing operations. This role will coordinate legal, contractual, and commercial negotiations with key stakeholders across Australia.

Based in our Brisbane office, this role is a permanent full-time position working Monday to Friday.

Duties include: 

• Coordinate external contract negotiations, including rail access agreements, and administer our Contract Management System. 
• Lead commercial and pricing model support within the Australian context.
• Support the exploration of business growth opportunities, including M&A.
• Review and make recommendations on commercial opportunities and capital acquisition needs.
• Facilitate commercial relationships with applicable Rail Infrastructure Managers across Australia.
• Provide commercial advice and support to the Australian business, including build/buy/lease and acquire/retain/divest decision support.
• Support revenue and cost analysis, working with the Finance team.
• Manage contract escalation processes and calculations, including commercial dispute processes.
• Assist in the provision of financial and commercial aspects of business growth proposals, tenders and expressions of offer.
• Manage agreed Watco properties and facilities, including having oversight of maintenance requirements, reporting and contract/lease management. 

What You’ll Need 

• University degree in a relevant area, e.g. financial or legal. Post graduate qualifications highly regarded.
• Rail or transport related industry experience; commercial experience with Rail Infrastructure Managers highly regarded.
• Demonstrable commercial experience, with exposure to M&A processes and understanding of key business drivers highly regarded.
• Strong commercial, legal contract management and business experience.
• Solid commercial acumen, modelling, and negotiation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact effectively with people at all levels.
• Critical thinker with the ability to solve complex problems.
• Sufficient experience or equivalent working knowledge & understanding of railway operations desirable.
• Highly developed verbal and written communications skills.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word and other applications as required.
• Strong organisational and administration skills, with a commitment to continuous improvement principles.
• Able to work under intense conditions, including demanding timelines and maintain high levels of precision.

What We Can Offer 

• Flexible work arrangements (including hybrid working, 60/40).
• Career development and growth opportunities.
• Novated Leasing.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members.
• Laptop and phone.
• Corporate uniform and PPE provided.
• Be a part of a close-knit and supportive team.

Our team are recognised, acknowledged, and rewarded for the amazing work they do. Apply now, to start your career with Watco Australia! 

Watco Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to maintaining, growing and supporting our diverse and inclusive culture, by seeking and promoting diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse community groups and ages including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, women, and other diversity groups.