Jessica McIlwain
Wellington Point,Qld
Summary
Results-driven Senior Project and Contract Manager with 15+ years' experience delivering complex municipal infrastructure and community service projects valued up to $35M within set timelines. Experienced in managing projects with program budgets from concept and procurement through to construction and service delivery, with a strong focus on quality, variation and financial outcomes, environmental compliance, and contract administration. Skilled in providing advice to senior leadership, shaping procurement strategies, and coordinating multi-discipline project and consultancy teams. Recognised for balancing technical compliance, stakeholder engagement, and budgetary constraints to achieve resilient, community-focused outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Contract Manager
Brisbane City Council | City Projects Office | A07
05.2013 - Current
- Managed 40+ community and environmental infrastructure projects (valued $0.5M–$35M) from concept planning and procurement through to delivery and completion, consistently meeting quality, sustainability, and compliance targets under Council's “Clean, Green, and Sustainable City” program.
- Numerous projects managed within a program framework, prioritising projects based on condition assessments, risk, and budget allocation.
- Performed Superintendent's Representative duties under AS4000 and AS4902, overseeing contract administration, progress payments, variations, and dispute resolution to ensure technical and governance compliance.
- Mitigated schedule, cost, and compliance risks across multiple projects, achieving 90% on-time delivery within approved budgets.
- Provided high-level advice to senior leadership and boards on procurement strategy, constructability, contract negotiations, and risk management; advice influenced contract awards, negotiation outcomes, and delivery approaches.
- Engaged prospective contractors pre-tender via industry briefings and market soundings, recommending procurement models (D&C, Construct-to-design, Panel arrangement, open market, EOI) and contract terms (e.g., rise-and-fall provisions) to optimise risk allocation and attract market interest.
- Maintained and monitored risk, variation, EOT, and non-conformance registers; escalated environmental, political, financial, and community risks to governance forums and Project Sponsors as required.
- Reviewed construction drawings, specifications, and quality plans to pre-empt issues and ensure compliance with statutory, safety, and environmental requirements.
- Led and coordinated tender management processes, including drafting bespoke contracts, managing complex documentation, and evaluating tenders for transparency, compliance, and alignment with procurement policy.
- Facilitated collaboration among consultants, contractors, and engineers to resolve technical challenges, ensuring successful project delivery.
- Mentored and guided junior staff in contract and procurement compliance, issue resolution, and governance processes, strengthening team capability.
- Briefed Councillors, internal leadership, and community stakeholders on project status and scope, balancing political priorities with budget and technical feasibility.
- Managed resolution of complex contract, construction, and design-related issues efficiently, maintaining strong relationships with contractors, internal teams, and the community.
Contract Management and Compliance Specialist
Brisbane City Council | City Standards | A08
03.2022 - 03.2023
- Led a team of nine tender managers overseeing procurement governance and tender administration across Council's construction division, ensuring compliance with legislative, corporate, and probity requirements.
- Provided strategic advice on procurement models, contract type, and risk allocation for multiple high-value projects, influencing senior leadership decisions.
- Oversaw risk assessment and mitigation strategies in collaboration with legal and commercial experts, escalating issues to executives and governance committees where required.
- Reduced instances of non-compliance through meticulous monitoring of internal controls and periodic audits.
- Evaluated existing policies regularly, identifying areas for improvement and recommending revisions as needed.
- Promoted a culture of ethical behaviour within the organization by underscoring the importance of adhering not only to regulations but also to established values.
Project Manager
Brisbane City Council | City Standards | A06
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Managed delivery of footpath, bikeway, and road construction projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion.
- Developed project plans, schedules, and financial reporting, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Liaised with clients and stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and maintain positive relationships.
- Oversaw resource allocation, procurement of materials and subcontractors, and compliance with Council and Main Roads technical specifications.
- Managed project scope, variations, and quality assurance processes, including Workplace Health & Safety and environmental compliance.
Senior Project Administration Officer
Brisbane City Council | City Standards | A05
01.2008 - 08.2011
- Coordinated with site staff, engineers, and project managers to monitor daily project status on critical infrastructure projects.
- Identified and submitted project variations, ensuring compliance with contracts and transparency in reporting.
- Contributed to project budgeting and forecasting, delivering mid-month and end-of-month financial reports.
- Supervised and mentored a team of Project Administration Officers, enhancing capability and performance outcomes.
- Managed Inspection and Test Plans, Lot Registers, traffic permits, and procurement of goods and subcontract works.
Education
Associate Degree - Construction Management | Civil
University of Southern Queensland
Diploma - Project Management
Australian Institute of Project Management
Skills
- Project Management: Delivered multiple municipal infrastructure projects concurrently within program budgets, from concept through to completion, including scheduling, risk monitoring, and financial reporting Skilled in developing and maintaining project documentation to ensure timely, compliant delivery
- Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication and negotiation skills with community members, Councillors, contractors, consultants, and internal leadership; experienced in reporting, briefings, and presentations tailored to diverse audiences
- Contract Administration: Proficient in AS4000 and AS4902 contracts; experienced as Superintendent’s Representative, managing variations, progress claims, and compliance oversight
- Procurement Strategy and Early Market Engagement: Engaged prospective contractors pre-tender to inform procurement approach, contract type, and risk allocation
- Leadership and Team Management: Led high-performing teams and mentored junior staff in contract compliance, procurement processes, and issue resolution to strengthen organisational capability
- Financial Management: Expertise in budgeting, cost control, and managing variations to ensure transparency, value-for-money outcomes, and adherence to approved project budgets
- Decision-Making and Analysis: Skilled in making insightful decisions, critically analysing data, and resolving contractual and technical challenges and escalating issues as appropriate
- Quality Assurance: Ensured adherence to quality, safety, environmental, and governance standards; identified gaps and implemented corrective actions to achieve project outcomes
Certification
- Advancing Negotiation Skills - Scotwork
- Queensland C class drivers licence
- Construction Industry White Card
Awards
Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Commendation Public Architecture | Brisbane International Cycle Park | 2025, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland Landscape Architecture Award | Bradbury Park Scooter Track | 2021, Queensland Award of Excellence for Play Spaces | The Magic Forest of Bradbury Park 2016, Queensland Land Conservation Award of Excellence | Bill Benham Park | 2016, Parks and Leisure Australia Queensland Community Facility of the Year | Boondall Wetlands Environmental Centre | 2020, Stormwater Industry Queensland Coorparoo Creek Park | 2016
Timeline
Contract Management and Compliance Specialist
Brisbane City Council | City Standards | A08
03.2022 - 03.2023
Senior Contract Manager
Brisbane City Council | City Projects Office | A07
05.2013 - Current
Project Manager
Brisbane City Council | City Standards | A06
08.2011 - 05.2013
Senior Project Administration Officer
Brisbane City Council | City Standards | A05
01.2008 - 08.2011
Diploma - Project Management
Australian Institute of Project Management
Associate Degree - Construction Management | Civil
University of Southern Queensland
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