Contract Manager

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury is seeking a Contract Manager to lead a portfolio of high-value, complex public transport contracts in Canterbury. You will act as the primary commercial lead ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory expectations.

The role offers opportunities to influence governance, negotiate with operators, and drive continuous improvement as the region prepares to re-tender bus contracts and implement a new operating model.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience managing complex contracts (preferably transport related)

Responsibilities

• Manage complex transport service contracts and governance frameworks.
• Lead contract negotiations, renewals, variations and dispute resolution.
• Monitor performance, compliance, risk and financial outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with operators, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice and insights to support decision-making and service improvements.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Relationship building

Negotiation

Governance leadership

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Law, Procurement, Contract Management or related field

Job description

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category: Environmental Services

• Strategic leadership of complex public transport contracts $120m annual spend
• Influence commercial, operational and customer outcomes
• Join a purpose-driven organisation serving Canterbury communities

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha

About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region's evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes - this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga

About the Role

As Contract Manager, you will be responsible for leading a portfolio of high-value, complex public transport and service provider contracts. Acting as the primary commercial lead, you will ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with customer, regulatory and organisational expectations. This role combines strategic relationship management, commercial expertise and governance leadership to drive continuous improvement and value-for-money outcomes across Canterbury's public transport network.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team as we prepare to re-tender our bus operating contracts and deliver a new operating model where Canterbury Regional Council gains control of strategic enabling assets.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Manage complex transport service contracts and governance frameworks.
• Lead contract negotiations, renewals, variations and dispute resolution.
• Monitor performance, compliance, risk and financial outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with operators, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice and insights to support decision-making and service improvements.

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu

About You

You're an experienced commercial or contract management professional who thrives in complex stakeholder environments. You combine strong commercial acumen with excellent relationship-building skills and can confidently navigate negotiations, governance forums and strategic discussions. You are analytical, solutions-focused and motivated by delivering outcomes that benefit communities.

Mātau ā-Wheako

Experience

Ideally, You'll Have a Relevant Tertiary Qualification In Business, Commerce, Law, Procurement, Contract Management Or a Related Field Along With

• Minimum 7 years' experience managing