Lead Contract Manager, Professional Services (6-Month, Remote)

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Contract Manager – Professional Services for six months to cover parental leave. The role coordinates across the nation, managing a portfolio of professional services contracts, including MSQA, environmental planning and independent certifier services.

You will build relationships with regional teams and suppliers to support timely delivery. You will be empowered to make day-to-day decisions with senior support, and you will work from regional offices

Qualifications

• Experience administering professional services, consultancy, infrastructure, or similar contracts.
• Ability to read, understand, apply contract documents, and follow processes.
• Experience preparing professional correspondence, contract notices, service orders, variations.
• Strong administration skills with attention to detail and complete records.
• Coordinate multiple activities, approvals and deadlines while maintaining process requirements.
• Proactive, self-directed approach with limited supervision.
• Clear written and verbal communication and ability to use reports for decisions.

Responsibilities

• Administer professional services contracts per Consultancy Contract Conditions and NZTA rules.
• Prepare contractual notices, service orders and variations with clarity.
• Assess payments and maintain approvals, expenditure and changes.
• Coordinate with local NZTA teams to understand programmes and needs.
• Onboard suitably qualified resources and manage supplier availability.
• Monitor expenditure and support value-for-money decisions.
• Maintain audit-ready contract records and monthly cost/risk reporting.
• Identify and mitigate delivery, resource, and procurement risks.

Skills

Contract administration

Reading contract documents

Professional services procurement

Relationship management

Te ao Māori awareness

Job description

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Contract Manager – Professional Services for six months to cover parental leave. The role coordinates across the nation, managing a portfolio of professional services contracts, including MSQA, environmental planning and independent certifier services.

You will build relationships with regional teams and suppliers to support timely delivery. You will be empowered to make day-to-day decisions with senior support, and you will work from regional offices