Contracts Manager (Conservation) – Nelmac Kūmānu – Nelson

Kūmānu; Nelson; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in Canada is seeking a Contracts Manager to lead its Conservation team. This role involves inspiring leadership, building client relationships, and delivering high-quality projects. The ideal candidate will have strong strategic thinking skills, a background in Contract Management or relevant experience, and a passion for environmental conservation. Join a diverse team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on local communities and environments. Opportunities for career growth and training are provided.

Benefits

Excellent training and career development opportunities

Employee discounts at over 70 local service providers

Close-knit team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge in botany or conservation.
• Ability to deliver quality work on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead performance and growth of the Conservation team.
• Strengthen relationships with key clients.
• Champion continuous improvement and business growth.

Skills

Leadership

Networking

Strategic thinking

Planning

Time-management

Resilience

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Contract Management or related field

Equivalent experience

Job description

Shape the Future of Our Environment – Join us as our next Contracts Manager

At Nelmac Kūmānu, we’re proud to stand alongside our communities to protect, renew, and enhance the natural landscapes that make our region extraordinary. Every day, our people bring passion, technical expertise, and outstanding customer service to conservation and environmental management projects that safeguard our environment for generations to come.

We’re searching for an inspiring, experienced Contracts Manager to lead the performance, growth, and long-term sustainability of our highly skilled Conservation team. This team is well-regarded for their dedication to preserving our natural and recreational spaces—and now you have the opportunity to guide their next chapter.

Reporting to the Divisional Leader – Environmental, this is a role where your work will be visible, valued, and felt across the community. You’ll be the trusted guardian of Nelmac Kūmānu’s reputation, strengthening relationships with key clients across local government, commercial partners, and residential customers—while empowering your team to deliver exceptional, high‑quality services.

If you’re a strategic thinker who builds strong, collaborative, and sustainable client partnerships—and you thrive on leading people to achieve great results—we’d love to hear from you.

We’re looking for someone who is energised by challenges and excited to champion continuous improvement, business growth, and excellence in service.

You’ll bring:

• Proven leadership that inspires and develops high‑performing teams
• A strong ability to network and build long‑term, trust‑based client relationships
• Tertiary qualifications in Contract Management, Procurement, Business, Environmental Management, Conservation, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in botany or conservation
• Strategic thinking with a pragmatic, flexible approach
• Excellent planning, organisational, and time‑management capabilities
• A track record of delivering high‑quality work on time, safely, and within budget
• Tenacity, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure

At Nelmac Kūmānu, you’ll be part of a regional organisation that offers diverse opportunities within a safe, inclusive, and rewarding work environment. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact—on our people, our clients, and the environments we all cherish.

At Nelmac Kūmānu we provide:

• Excellent training and career development opportunities.
• Small, high‑functioning, experienced teams with a close‑knit feel.
• Opportunity to influence and lead continual improvement.
• Chance to work with people who are passionate about the work they do to enhance our environment and communities.
• Great employee discounts at over 70 local and nationwide service providers and retailers.

This is a great opportunity to add value to a key growth area of our business and in the process develop your career with a company that’s really going places.

Please note that applicants must have a current full drivers’ licence, NZ residency/citizenship or a valid NZ work visa and will be required to undergo pre‑employment medical and drug screening, as well as a Ministry of Justice police check and an ACC check.

If you have questions regarding the role or about submitting your application, please email [e-mail] or call Warren McLean for a confidential chat on 027 246 6671.

Closing date: midday Monday, 5th January 2026. Applications will be reviewed on receipt and may be progressed prior to the closing date.