Contracts Relationship Management Lead

New Zealand Defence Force; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes

Financial guidance

Mortgage broker services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Wellington seeks a Contracts Relationship Management Lead to shape how ICT suppliers are engaged, align partnerships, and govern supplier activity. You will oversee a specialist team across the technology landscape to lift commercial maturity and secure best value from digital investments.

You will apply deep ICT contract management expertise, influence organisational dynamics, and lead governance forums in a complex government environment.

Qualifications

• A systems of systems thinking approach across platforms, services, infrastructure and suppliers.
• Strong ability to read organisational dynamics and influence behaviours.
• Experience designing and embedding governance, supplier strategies and operating models in large organisations.
• Extensive experience with ICT suppliers and primary/secondary contract structures.
• Clear communication to develop, negotiate and mature supplier relationships.
• Experience designing and implementing supplier performance frameworks.
• Experience leading high performing teams and governance forums or boards.
• Understanding of the Machinery of Government and public sector procurement practices.
• Formal qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Establish how we engage with ICT suppliers and create a future-focused partnership model.
• Steer governance frameworks that promote best-practice supplier engagement.
• Lift commercial discipline and governance foundations supporting digital investments.
• Lead a specialist team to lift commercial maturity and optimise supplier performance.
• Ensure NZDF obtains value, capability and outcomes from its digital investments.
• Bring deep ICT commercial and contract management expertise with strong leadership.
• Contribute to governance forums or boards and navigate an evolving environment.

Skills

Systems thinking

Emotional intelligence

Governance design

ICT supplier management

Strong communication

Supplier performance

Leadership

Machinery of Government

Public procurement rules

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

New Zealand Defence Force - Wellington, North Island

Join more-than 15,000 New Zealanders working for the NZ Defence Force and directly contribute to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Contracts Relationship Management Lead is a critical role within Information Command. You will be responsible for establishing how we engage with ICT suppliers, creating alignment and a strong, future focused partnership model. You will also steer strategic governance frameworks that promote consistent, best practice supplier engagement.

This role isn't just about managing contracts, it's about lifting how we engage with suppliers, strengthening commercial discipline, and establishing the governance foundations that support our digital future.

You'll lead a specialist team working across the technology landscape to lift commercial maturity, optimise supplier performance, and ensure NZDF gets the best value, capability and outcomes from its digital investments.

You'll bring deep expertise in ICT commercial and contract management, underpinned by sound leadership judgement. You'll also be motivated by multifaceted work and enjoy operating in an evolving environment.

You will bring:

• A systems of systems thinking approach, able to understand interdependencies across platforms, services, infrastructure, suppliers and organisational behaviours
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to read organisational dynamics and influence behaviours
• Experience designing and embedding commercial governance, supplier strategies, operating models or frameworks in large organisations
• Extensive experience working with ICT suppliers, including primary and secondary contract structures
• Strong communication skills with the ability to develop, negotiate, and mature supplier relationships
• Experience designing and implementing supplier performance frameworks
• Experience leading high performing teams
• An understanding of the Machinery of Government
• A strong understand of Government Procurement Rules and public sector commercial practices
• Experience leading governance forums or boards
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline, or knowledge gained through relevant experience

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply. This role requires occasional domestic travel and you will need to have a Class 1 Full Driver's Licence.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - 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.