Contract and License Specialist | Wellington

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 104,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development in Wellington is seeking a Contract and Licensing Specialist to manage software contracts, renewals and licensing optimisation across our large organisation. You will build visibility and control through renewal pipelines, reporting and monitoring.

You’ll collaborate with major vendors and internal teams to review terms, manage end-to-end renewals, maintain an accurate software inventory and help with licensing models and audits.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in contract, licensing, software asset management or commercial support role within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience in software licensing tools such as ServiceNow, Flexera or Snow and cloud licensing structures.
• Strong understanding of volume licensing terms from major enterprise software providers and purchasing processes.
• Familiarity with government purchasing rules and tender policies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Experience managing financial and commercial information and producing scheduled reports.
• Proven relationship management with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with major vendors and internal teams to review contract terms, pricing and renewal conditions.
• Manage end-to-end software renewals process, including quotes and coordinating with vendors for timely renewals.
• Maintain accurate inventory of all software assets, subscriptions and cloud licenses using SAM tools.
• Identify unused or underutilized licenses and recommend reallocations or cancellations to reduce spend.
• Assist with new software requests, evaluate licensing constructs (SaaS, tokens, user-based) and coordinate orders.
• Develop and manage a forward pipeline of software contract renewal dates with stakeholders.
• Monitor software usage against entitlements to prevent non-compliance.
• Prepare licensing reports and support internal or external audits.
• Provide visibility of software versions reaching end of life and plan migrations or upgrades.

Skills

Contract management

Licensing

Software asset management

Commercial support

Tools

ServiceNow

Flexera

Snow Licensing System

Job description

Date: 28 Sept 2026Location: Wellington, NZCompany: Ministry of Social DevelopmentManage software contracts, renewals and license optimisation across a large, complex organisationBuild visibility and control through proactive renewal pipelines, reporting and monitoringWork closely with vendors and internal teams to maximise value and ensure compliancePlay a key role in ensuring Technology gets the best value from its software investment.About our team | Mo te timaEvery week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.Improvement Systems & Technology (IST) provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.We're driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. IST is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.About the role | Mo te tungaAs a Contract and Licensing Specialist, you'll be responsible for managing software contract and licensing information, supporting timely renewals, negotiating with suppliers, optimising usage and improving systems and processes that provide transparency, compliance and confidence across the organisation.You'll manage the collection, analysis and reporting of software information through portals and software asset management tools, with a strong focus on renewals, compliance and optimisation.You'll provide advice on licensing models, support audit activity, and work proactively with stakeholders to manage risk and end-of-life planning.This is a permanent opportunity and is based in our Wellington National office.Key responsibilities include:Collaborate with major vendors (e.g, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Salesforce, Adobe) and internal teams to review contract terms, pricing, and renewal conditions.Manage the end-to-end software renewals process, including obtaining and interpreting quotes and working with technology vendors to ensure timely renewalsMaintain an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all software assets, subscriptions, and cloud licenses using Software Asset Management (SAM) tools.Identify unused or underutilized licenses and recommend reallocations or cancellations to reduce unnecessary software spend.Assist with new software requests, evaluate licensing constructs (SaaS, tokens, user-based), and coordinate purchase orders or true-upsCloud licensing and contracts (Cloud, SaaS and enterprise agreements eg Microsoft, Azure, AWS, Salesforce etc)Develop and actively manage a forward pipeline of software contract renewal dates with relevant stakeholdersMonitor software usage against entitlements to prevent non-compliance. Prepare licensing reports and manage internal or external audits.Provide visibility of software versions reaching end of life and support migration or upgrade planning as requiredPartner with internal teams to align software purchases with company budgets and policiesWe're committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.What you bring | Ou pumanawatangaSignificant experience in a similar contract, licensing, software asset management or commercial support role, ideally within a large and complex organisation.Experience in software licensing tools (such as ServiceNow, Flexera or Snow) and cloud licensing and consumption structures and software portal managementStrong understanding of complex volume licensing agreements, terms, and conditions from major enterprise software organisations, purchasing processes and financial systemsFamiliarity with Government purchasing rules and tender policiesExcellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills with high attention to detailExperience managing financial and commercial information and producing scheduled reportsProven relationship management skills with experience liaising with suppliers and internal stakeholdersA genuine passion for delivering high quality, customer focussed outcomesPosition Description | He Whakaahuatanga TungaA copy of the position can be found here. Contract and License position description.Salary | Utu-a-tau: $103,846 - $125,998A salary offer will be based on the preferred candidates' skills and experience and our team relativities.Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te: Friday 9 October 2026.About us | Mo matouThe Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whanau and communities.As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.How to apply | Me pehea te tuku tonoBefore you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitmentTo apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [e-mail] MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.Joining us | Ko te hono maiJoining MSD means being part of a whanau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.Find similar jobs:Information Technology Jobs