Contracts Advisor, Defence Shared Services Group

Marketplace; Whanganui; Hybrid; NZD 104,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Will services

Mortgage guidance

Defence community savings

Job summary

NZ Defence Force in Manawatu-Whanganui is seeking a Contracts Advisor to manage a diverse portfolio of national supplier contracts and provide strategic guidance on supplier partnerships. You will develop service specifications, SLAs, and KPIs, while monitoring performance and driving continuous improvement across NZDF.

The role requires 2–3 years in contract management or procurement, strong stakeholder engagement, and a NZ driver’s licence.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years in contract management or procurement, ideally in defence/public sector.
• Strong knowledge of supplier relationship management, Government Procurement Rules, and sourcing practices.
• Excellent commercial, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities, including influencing senior leaders.
• Experience developing service specifications, business plans, contract documentation, and KPIs per AOG process.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier performance and foster strategic relationships to ensure value and service excellence.
• Develop service specifications, SLAs, and KPIs; monitor and review performance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and suppliers to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead procurement activities and ensure alignment with Defence requirements.

Skills

Contract management

Procurement

Supplier relationships

AOG procurement

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Decision making

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

# Contracts Advisor, Defence Shared Services Group at NZ Defence Force, Manawatu-Whanganui## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**Mō te tūnga | About the role**Defence Shared Services Group (DSSG) is responsible for providing essential support and administration services to the NZDF whānau. Our purpose is “modernising shared services to support our people's operational readiness”.As our Contracts Advisor, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping how services are delivered across NZDF by managing and advising on a diverse portfolio of national supplier contracts.This is more than traditional contract management. We're looking for someone who can take a proactive, future-focused approach to supplier partnerships, identifying opportunities to modernise services, improve performance, and bring innovative solutions to the table.Working closely with service providers and stakeholders, you'll help drive continuous improvement and leverage industry best practice to ensure exceptional outcomes.You'll be responsible for managing supplier performance, fostering strong strategic relationships, and ensuring contracts deliver value, quality, and service excellence. You'll also help develop service specifications, including Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators, while monitoring and reviewing supplier performance to ensure high standards are consistently achieved.If you thrive on collaboration, continuous improvement, and influencing positive change through effective supplier partnerships, we'd love to hear from you.Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option for flexible working arrangements.We are offering this role in the Manawatu, Wellington region, Burnham, Woodbourne, or greater Auckland region – please let us know your preferred location.The salary range for this role is $104,214 to $115,131, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Starting salaries reflect skills and experience relevant to the role, with offers generally made around $110,000.We are looking at a mid/late January 2027 start for this role.**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience**To be successful in this role, you'll bring proven experience in contract management, procurement, ideally AOG procurement, and supplier relationship management, and the ability to influence positive outcomes.You'll be confident building trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, navigating complex challenges, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.You will also demonstrate:* 2-3 years' experience in contract management and/or procurement, ideally within the defence, military, or public sector environment.* Strong knowledge of supplier relationship management principles, Government Procurement Rules, and sourcing practices.* Excellent commercial, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and make sound decisions.* Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, including influencing senior leaders and external partners.* Experience developing service specifications, business plans, contract documentation, and performance measures as per AOG process.* A proven ability to manage competing priorities, deliver results, and achieve business objectives in complex environments.Ideally you will hold a relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience), and you must have a full New Zealand driver's licence.**Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you**Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Applications close on **Wednesday 18 November 2026**.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.**Please Note:*** All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.* Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.* Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.**Please Note:**To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:Low Level Security Clearance* You **must** be a New Zealand citizen **or** you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.* At minimum, you **must** hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, **and** you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.* You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | NZ Defence Force || Location: | Manawatu-Whanganui || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | Project/Procurement/Risk Assurance || Date listed: | 05-Nov-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 18-Nov-2026 || Reference: | NZ/DF-2611013 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | www.nzdf.mil.nz/ |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.