Chief Advisor, Contracts

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 141,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in Wellington, New Zealand, seeks a Chief Advisor, Contracts to provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of high‑value contracts within the Education Workforce Contracts Team. You will design, negotiate, implement and manage contracts that support growth, retention and development of New Zealand's Education Workforce.

You will mentor others, drive framework improvements and embed high‑quality contract management across the team, influencing senior leaders and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing or advising on complex, high‑value contracts.
• Strong knowledge of contract management, procurement, commercial risk and government processes.
• Proven track record in coaching, mentoring and building high‑performance teams.
• Proven ability to provide strategic and operational advice to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across a significant portfolio of contracts.
• Lead design, negotiation, implementation and ongoing management of key contracts.
• Mentor and develop contract management capability within the team.
• Strengthen commercial outcomes, manage risk and deliver value for money.
• Influence senior stakeholders and govern within policy frameworks.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Coaching & mentoring

Decision making in ambiguity

Political awareness

Education

Tertiary qualification

Contract management qualification

Job description

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

We are seeking an experienced and influential Chief Advisor, Contracts to provide strategic leadership across a significant portfolio of contracts within the Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce Contracts Team. As a trusted advisor, you will help lead the design, negotiation, implementation and ongoing management of strategically important contracts that support the growth, retention and development of New Zealand's Education Workforce. You will work closely with senior leaders, contract owners, suppliers and stakeholders to strengthen commercial outcomes, manage risk, and deliver value for money. You will also play a key role in shaping the future of contract management capability by mentoring others, improving frameworks and processes, and embedding consistent, high-quality contract management practice across the team.

About you | Mōhou ake

We're looking for a highly credible and commercially astute leader with extensive experience managing complex contracts. You will be recognised for your ability to build trusted relationships, provide strategic advice, navigate ambiguity and influence outcomes at senior levels. You will bring a combination of commercial expertise, leadership capability, sound judgement and political awareness that enables you to deliver results in complex environments.

Key to success in this role is your:

• Extensive experience managing or advising on complex, high-value and high-risk contracts
• Strong knowledge of contract management, procurement, commercial risk and government processes
• Proven track record in coaching, mentoring and building high-performance teams
• Proven success in providing strategic and operational advice to senior leaders and decision makers
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills
• Advanced negotiation skills and the ability to achieve positive outcomes in complex commercial settings
• Experience leading continuous improvement, change initiatives or major programmes of work
• Deep understanding of governance, compliance and contract management frameworks
• Experience in strengthen the Māori-Crown relationship - building capability as a good kāwanatanga partner
• Relevant tertiary qualification and either a contract management qualification or significant professional experience in contract management
• Ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Salary range: $141,146 - $171,196 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Education Workforce group plays a critical role in supporting the education sector by delivering initiatives that help grow, retain and develop New Zealand's workforce. The Contracts Team provides strategic contract management expertise and leadership to ensure investment delivers the best outcomes for learners, educators and communities. This recently formed team of Contract Managers have diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. We are now looking for someone who is passionate about delivering high performance and who has the capability to support the development of high performance in others. As Chief Advisor you will work alongside the Manager, Contracts to further develop the capability and support the team through this growth phase.

For further information

Please contact Pip O'Connell at: [e-mail]

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 11 November 2026

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.