National Contract Manager – Professional Services (6-Month)

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Gisborne; Hybrid; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a national Contract Manager for six months to cover parental leave across the Asset and Operations teams. You will manage a portfolio of professional services contracts, coordinate with NZTA offices nationwide and ensure timely and compliant delivery of services.

You will work with local teams and suppliers to navigate contracts, oversee approvals and monitor performance, while maintaining audit-ready records and contributing to value-for-money

Qualifications

• Experience administering professional services, consultancy, infrastructure or similar contracts.
• Ability to read, understand and apply contract documents and follow defined processes.
• Experience preparing professional correspondence, contract notices, service orders, variations or similar documentation.
• Strong administration, attention to detail and the discipline to maintain complete and reliable records.
• Ability to coordinate multiple activities, approvals and deadlines without losing sight of process requirements.
• Proactive, self-directed approach with the ability to take ownership and work with limited supervision.
• Confident collaborating with local NZTA teams, suppliers and technical specialists.
• Sound judgement to identify risks, resolve routine issues and escalate as needed.
• Understanding of procurement, delegated authority and value-for-money requirements, or ability to learn quickly.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to gain understanding of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in public service contexts.

Responsibilities

• Administer professional services contracts in accordance with Consultancy Contract Conditions and NZTA requirements.
• Prepare clear contractual correspondence, notices to consultants, service orders and variations.
• Assess payment information and maintain records of approvals, expenditure and contract changes.
• Coordinate with local NZTA teams to understand programmes, priorities and resource needs.
• Coordinate supplier availability and timely onboarding of qualified resources.
• Monitor contract expenditure against allocations and support value-for-money decisions.
• Maintain structured communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders; escalate as needed.
• Identify delivery, resource, commercial and procurement risks and support mitigation.
• Monitor supplier performance including through PACE and coordinate improvement actions.
• Maintain complete audit-ready contract records; coordinate monthly reporting on cost, progress and risks.
• Identify and implement practical improvements to contract performance and efficiency.

Job description

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a national Contract Manager for six months to cover parental leave across the Asset and Operations teams. You will manage a portfolio of professional services contracts, coordinate with NZTA offices nationwide and ensure timely and compliant delivery of services.

You will work with local teams and suppliers to navigate contracts, oversee approvals and monitor performance, while maintaining audit-ready records and contributing to value-for-money