Commercial Business Partner

WM; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Career progression opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

WM New Zealand is seeking a commercially minded Commercial Business Partner to support the WM South leadership team and shape financial and commercial outcomes. You’ll translate business needs into clear insights, models and recommendations, and be involved in budgeting, forecasting, pricing, performance analysis and investment decisions.

This role offers exposure to major projects, tenders and strategic initiatives within a values-driven organisation, with flexible working arrangements and a

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial finance, management accounting, or business partnering.
• CAANZ / CPA qualification or working towards completion.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of how businesses operate.
• Advanced Excel skills with financial modelling.

Responsibilities

• Partner with operational and leadership teams to provide commercial insights and support strategic decision-making.
• Analyse volume, pricing, profitability, cost drivers, and customer performance to identify risks and opportunities.
• Develop pricing models, tender submissions, business cases, and investment proposals to support growth and business performance.
• Deliver financial modelling and scenario analysis to support key commercial decisions.
• Support month-end reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and performance reporting across the division.
• Translate complex financial information into clear, practical recommendations for operational stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships across the business and act as a trusted commercial adviser.
• Drive continuous improvement of reporting, systems, and commercial processes.

Skills

Commercial finance

Management accounting

Business partnering

Analytical skills

Excel

Financial modelling

Education

CAANZ / CPA qualification

Tools

Excel

Job description

Let’s take care of work that matters - people, place and purpose. From roads to recycling to reporting, everyone at WM New Zealand (WM) helps take care of our people, protect our whenua and support our communities.

We’re more than waste management – we’re problem solvers, innovators, and hands-on doers. Every one of us, whether behind the wheel, on the tools, or shaping strategy behind the scenes, is helping build a better Aotearoa. We all pull together on this waka and if you want work that matters, with people who’ve got your back, you’re in the right place.

Job Description

We’re looking for a commercially minded Commercial Business Partner to support our WM South leadership team and help shape financial and commercial outcomes.

In this role, you’ll work closely with operational leaders, translating business needs into clear financial insights, models, and recommendations. You’ll be involved in budgeting, forecasting, pricing, performance analysis, and investment decisions - with real visibility of how your work impacts the business.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious accounting profession looking to deepen their commercial experience and progress their career within a large, values-driven organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with operational and leadership teams to provide commercial insights and support strategic decision-making
• Analyse volume, pricing, profitability, cost drivers, and customer performance to identify risks and opportunities
• Develop pricing models, tender submissions, business cases, and investment proposals to support growth and business performance
• Deliver financial modelling and scenario analysis to support key commercial decisions
• Support month-end reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and performance reporting across the division
• Challenge existing ways of working and identify opportunities to improve commercial performance and operational efficiency
• Translate complex financial information into clear, practical recommendations for operational stakeholders
• Build strong relationships across the business and act as a trusted commercial adviser
• Drive continuous improvement of reporting, systems, and commercial processes

Qualifications

This role offers a blend of commercial partnering and core finance responsibilities. It is suited to someone who is commercially curious, enjoys solving complex business problems, and is motivated by influencing outcomes rather than simply reporting the numbers. We are looking for a self-starter who isn't afraid to challenge assumptions, ask questions, and help drive better business performance.

You’ll bring:

• Experience in commercial finance, management accounting, business partnering, or a similar analytical role
• CAANZ / CPA qualification, or working towards completion
• Strong commercial acumen and a genuine interest in understanding how businesses operate
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, with the ability to build and work with financial models and analyse complex datasets
• Confidence to challenge assumptions and constructively influence decision-making
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Ability to work autonomously, take ownership, and deliver outcomes with minimal supervision
• Curiosity, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset

Additional Information

What’s in it for You

• A highly visible role with the opportunity to influence key commercial and operational decisions
• Exposure to major projects, pricing strategies, tenders, and strategic initiatives
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements
• A supportive team environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement

WM New Zealand is an EEO employer and promotes drug and alcohol-free workplaces.

You must be currently based in New Zealand and hold a valid work visa, residency, or NZ citizenship.