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Kiersten Graae

from working in a jewellery and craft store to Contracts Administrator
I review, negotiate and manage contracts for projects!
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
BMD
Job Level
Mid
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Ask me about

  • How you can have a great career without having gone to university
  • What it's like working underground
  • Why I love construction

About me

My journey started with a simple mantra from my parents: ‘You’re either earning or learning.’ Uncertain about my future, I bypassed immediate university entry, opting for real-world experience. After graduation, I landed a full-time receptionist role at a small construction firm, but faced a setback when I lost the job at 19 due to taking time off for surgery (not cool!) a daunting experience at the time.

Undeterred, I joined a recruitment company in an administrative role, eventually transitioning into recruitment, where my connection to the construction industry deepened. Leveraging these ties, I secured a position with a major construction company, propelling me into a world of opportunities. My unconventional journey emphasises the value of diverse experiences in shaping one’s career path.

About my role

  • Focused
  • Observant
  • Practical
  • Reliable
  • Sociable

As a Contracts Administrator, the role encompasses a comprehensive array of responsibilities. Beyond reviewing, negotiating, and managing contracts for diverse projects, they also collaborate extensively with stakeholders across various management levels. From engaging with lawyers and engineers to interacting with project managers, the scope is dynamic and interdisciplinary.

The Contracts Administrator plays a pivotal role in aligning commercial objectives with the company's overarching goals, fostering a cohesive approach to project execution. Additionally, the role involves crafting contractual letters, adding a communicative aspect to the position. Overall, a Contracts Administrator is a versatile and integral team member, ensuring contractual compliance and effective collaboration throughout project lifecycles!

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Education

  • Queensland Certificate of Education
  • Certificate 3 Business Administration
  • Administration of Construction Contracts

Subjects

  • Business Studies
  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Geography
  • Physical Education

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Horse riding
  • Interior design
  • Reading
  • Seeing family and friends

Pets

  • 1 Dog

15 year old me!!

“Don't put too much pressure on yourself and embrace saying yes to new opportunities. Life is an unpredictable journey, and it's okay not to have everything figured out”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. First Administration job
  2. Made redundant
  3. Into recruitment then onto Construction
  4. Worked on mega projects
  5. Mentor to younger colleagues

My typical day

My employer

BMD is a national group of companies engaged in engineering design, construction and land development for clients and partners in the urban development, transport infrastructure and resources and energy sectors. Since 1979, BMD has employed a relationship based business model founded on certainty, collaboration and performance. With approximately 1700 staff throughout Australia, BMD has the resources and experience to deliver projects ranging in size from $1 million to over $1 billion.