Contract Manager Professional Services

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Dunedin; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency for transport services in New Zealand is seeking a Contract Manager to lead high-value professional services contracts across state highways. The successful candidate will manage contractor performance, ensure compliance, and drive value-for-money outcomes while fostering strong supplier relationships. This role offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and 5 weeks annual leave, among other benefits. Applications close on 18 January 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

5 weeks annual leave

Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex professional services contracts.
• Substantial experience in claim assessment and variation management.
• Proven ability to manage contractor relationships effectively.

Responsibilities

• Act as Contract Administrator under NZS 3917 ensuring compliance.
• Coordinate with delivery teams to meet design milestones.
• Maintain comprehensive contract management documentation.

Skills

Contract administration

Stakeholder coordination

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Relationship management

Education

Tertiary qualification in engineering, construction management, or related field

Job description

Location

Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, or regional offices as agreed

Job Type

18 months Fixed term

Contract Manager – Professional Services

Lead and manage high-value professional services contracts across NZ’s state highway system. Drive contractor performance and foster collaborative supplier relationships. Deliver value-for-money outcomes that support optimal performance and safety.

The opportunity

We’re looking for a Contract Manager – Professional Services to lead and manage professional services contracts, ensuring effective contract administration, compliance oversight, and service delivery. In this role, you’ll drive contractor performance, foster collaborative supplier relationships, and deliver value-for-money outcomes that support optimal performance and safety across the state highway system.

Responsibilities

• Act as Contract Administrator under NZS 3917, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate with delivery teams and providers to establish and meet design milestones.
• Secure specialised resources and mitigate operational risks.
• Foster collaborative relationships between providers and contractors to enhance delivery cohesion.
• Identify and implement opportunities for early technical input to de-risk project delivery.
• Maintain comprehensive contract management documentation and performance tracking.
• Engage with Independent Certifiers and external experts as required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex professional services contracts (NZS3917/3910) within infrastructure, engineering, or construction.
• Substantial experience in contract administration, including claim assessment, variation management, and compliance monitoring.
• Proven ability to manage contractor relationships and drive performance improvement.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills to achieve value-for-money outcomes.
• Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and manage complex delivery timeframes.
• Tertiary qualification in engineering, construction management, contract management, business administration, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori, promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori, and appreciate Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public service.

About Us

Te Toki – Transport Services. We deliver great outcomes now and make the future a better place. As kaitiaki of the transport system, we work with partners, for people, for our land, and for the future. Our group designs and delivers integrated land transport network improvements, operates the land transport network for moving people and freight, and maintains land transport corridors as a lifeline service. The Maintenance and Operations team keeps the transport system operational, safe, and optimised to meet the needs of all New Zealanders.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible working arrangements (including remote/hybrid options, role dependent).
• 5 weeks annual leave.
• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme for all permanent employees.
• Part of an organisation that is committed to making a difference for New Zealanders.

How to apply

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Application Dates

Applications close: 18 January 2026

Contact

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.