Contract Administrator

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers; Kaikohe; Hybrid; NZD 61,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Far North District Council is seeking a detail‑oriented Contract Administrator for the Infrastructure Group. You will ensure contractual, financial and administrative compliance across major projects, with a focus on accuracy and governance.

The role supports procurement, budget management and documentation control, while promoting excellent stakeholder service and continuous improvement within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial and procurement systems or a similar role.
• Knowledge of NZ Standards contracts 3910/3916/CCCS/SFA.
• Proficient with Microsoft Project and MS Office tools.
• Understanding of local government operations and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

Responsibilities

• Manage contract claims and variations in line with NZ Standard Contracts (3910/3916/CCCS/SFA).
• Maintain the contract retention account and ensure timely release of retentions.
• Administer contract documentation including bonds, insurance, and updates to the Contracts Register.
• Oversee procurement and financial processes including purchase orders, invoices, payments.
• Process monthly journals and accruals with accuracy and timeliness.
• Record 3 Waters contract variations and maintain a robust audit trail.
• Coordinate variation reviews and approvals with the Waters Manager.
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes, and manage action items.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Escalate risks to the Council's Risk Register and manage inbox tasks via a roster.

Skills

Financial systems

Contract administration

NZ Standards contracts 3910/3916/CCCS

MS Project

MS Excel

Budgets knowledge

Local government operations

Te Ao Māori / Te Tiriti awareness

Driver’s licence

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

NCEA Level 3 qualification

Tools

Microsoft Project

MS Excel

MS Word

Outlook

Job description

Are you a detail-driven professional with a passion for financial and contract administration? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your work directly contributes to the success of infrastructure projects that benefit your community?

Te Wero – The Challenge

Far North District Council is looking for a Contract Administrator to join our Infrastructure Group. This role is essential in ensuring contractual, financial, and administrative compliance across Council infrastructure projects.

As our Contract Administrator, you’ll be at the heart of our infrastructure operations, ensuring seamless financial and contract processes.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage contract claims and variations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with NZ Standard Contracts(3910/3916/CCCS/SFA).
• Maintain the contract retention account and ensure timely release of retentions.
• Administer contract documentation including bonds, insurance, and updates to the Contracts Register.
• Oversee procurement and financial processes including purchase orders, invoices, payments, and buyer-createdinvoices.
• Process monthly journals and accruals with accuracy and timeliness.
• Record 3 Waters contract variations with precision and maintain a robust audit trail.
• Coordinate variation reviews and approvals with the Waters Manager.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes, and manage action items.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Escalate risks to Councils’ Risk Register and manage Infrastructure team inbox tasks via a roster system.

We’re looking for someone who is proactive, organised, and committed to excellence. Ideally, you’ll have:

• Experience in financial and/or procurement systems, or an NCEA Level 3 qualification, or a minimum of 2 years ina Contract Administrator or similar role.
• Understanding of NZ Standards contracts – 3910, 3916, CCCS, SFA.
• Experience with Microsoft Project (preferred).
• Advanced MS Excel skills and intermediate proficiency in MS Word and Outlook.
• Understanding of budgets, committed and actual balance funds in relation to General and Project Codes.
• Knowledge of local government operations.
• A commitment to Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and Te Reo Māori, and an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
• A current and valid New Zealand Driver’s Licence.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Enthusiasm for customer service and community outcomes.
• Proven written and oral communication skills.
• A progressive mindset focused on continual improvement.

where everyone feels valued and respected. We are a progressive and growing council filled with like-minded people who love what they do and are committed to providing superior services to residents and their community.

You will be given all the tools of the trade to hit the ground running.

Learning & Development plan to ensure your ongoing growth and success within the organisation.

The salary for this position is Grade 10 within Council's salary structure (Band: $60,889 to $67,654 pro rataper annum) dependent on qualifications and experience, plus Kiwi Saver.

We operate a “Business First” approach with flexible/hybrid options.

Free $100,000 life insurance scheme (conditions apply).

Free Will package, so that if the unexpected happens your family is supported.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process that supports access needs to ensure every applicant can participate fully and confidently. This is in line with our Accessibility Policy, supports the Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy, and upholds the values of mana tangata, manaakitanga, mahi tahi, whanaungatanga and āhurutanga. Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs when making your application.

Join the Far North District Council’s Infrastructure Group as a Contract Administrator, where you’ll play a key role in ensuring contractual, financial, and administrative integrity across our infrastructure projects.

Far North District Council is currently recruiting for Infrastructure roles in anticipation of ongoing service delivery needs. However, the Council is in the process of transitioning water services to a new Council Controlled Organisation (CCO). As a result, employment with Far North District Council in these roles is not guaranteed beyond the establishment of the waters CCO. While every effort will be made to support staff through this transition, successful applicants should be aware that their employment may be subject to change, transfer, or end if all other options are exhausted in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational change processes.

Creating Great Places, Supporting our People

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Far North District Council serves one of Aotearoa’s most diverse and unique regions, delivering essential services and shaping sustainable futures. Our mahi spans roading, water, and waste management, alongside planning and regulatory functions that support growth and protect the environment. We partner with iwi, hapū, and communities to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, foster cultural heritage, and strengthen resilience. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to wellbeing, we enable vibrant communities and a thriving Far North.

Far North District Council serves one of Aotearoa’s most diverse and unique regions, delivering essential services and shaping sustainable futures. Our mahi spans roading, water, and waste management, alongside planning and regulatory functions that support growth and protect the environment. We partner with iwi, hapū, and communities to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, foster cultural heritage, and strengthen resilience. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to wellbeing, we enable vibrant communities and a thriving Far North.

What can I earn as a Contracts Administrator