About Lee Houlson
Contract Management Consultant
I’m Lee Houlson, a highly experienced contract management consultant, helping organisations navigate complex procurement, tendering, contract management and commercial challenges with confidence.
With more than 35 years of experience across Defence, aviation, infrastructure, oil and gas, mining and commercial construction environments, I provide practical commercial advice that helps organisations strengthen governance, reduce risk and achieve better business outcomes.
My career has included senior commercial and procurement leadership roles with organisations such as BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, KBR, Cobham Aviation, Santos, ElectraNet, BHP and Baulderstone. This breadth of experience enables me to understand both the strategic and operational realities organisations face when managing contracts, suppliers, procurement activities and major tenders.
Defence Commercial and Procurement Experience
A significant portion of my career has been spent supporting organisations operating within the Australian Defence sector.
I have worked across complex Defence programs and commercial environments, providing expertise in procurement strategy, contract management, tender development, supplier engagement and commercial governance. My experience spans both Defence primes and broader industry supply chains, giving me a practical understanding of the commercial challenges faced by organisations working with Defence.
This experience allows me to provide advice that is commercially realistic, compliant and aligned with the unique requirements of Defence-related procurement and contracting environments.
Contract Management, Tenders and
Commercial Governance
As a contract management consultant, I help organisations establish the commercial foundations required to support successful project delivery and long-term business performance.
My experience includes developing and managing commercial frameworks, leading contract negotiations, improving governance processes, managing commercial risk and strengthening supplier relationships.
I have also led and supported major tenders and negotiations exceeding $1 billion in value. Rather than focusing solely on tender preparation, I help organisations understand commercial obligations, assess risk, strengthen their negotiation position and develop practical strategies that support successful outcomes.
For organisations evaluating procurement consultants or tender consultants Australia-wide, I offer a rare combination of commercial leadership, procurement expertise and hands-on contract management experience.
Perspective from Both Sides of the Negotiation Table
One of my greatest strengths is my experience working from both customer and supplier perspectives.
Having sat on both sides of the negotiation table, I understand the competing priorities, commercial drivers and risk considerations that influence successful agreements. This perspective enables me to help clients prepare stronger commercial positions, identify potential issues earlier and negotiate outcomes that are practical, sustainable and aligned with business objectives.
Qualifications &
Professional Credentials
Qualifications
MBA, Graduate Diploma of Commercial Law and Bachelor of Applied Science in Building (Construction Management).
Professional Recognition
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (FCIPS), Corporate Member of World Commerce & Contracting, and WorldCC elected council of global ambassadors.
Experience
35+ years of practical experience across procurement, commercial management and contracts.
Trusted Expertise
Providing strategic commercial advice with deep expertise in procurement, contracts and commercial governance.
Supporting Better
Commercial Outcomes
Through Lee Houlson Commercial, I work with organisations that need practical support navigating procurement activities, contract management services, tender processes, commercial governance and supplier engagement. Through working side-by-side with you, I can assist in developing pragmatic commercial solutions that are aligned with your business objectives.
Whether supporting a complex procurement initiative, a major tender, a contract negotiation or a broader commercial challenge, I bring the experience, perspective and commercial judgement needed to help organisations move forward with confidence.
Ready to Discuss a
Commercial Challenge?
If you are looking for an experienced contract management consultant or a trusted commercial advisor, contact Lee Houlson Commercial to discuss your requirements.