Strategic Contract Relationship Manager

New Zealand Government; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 117,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Mortgage broker services

Defence community savings schemes

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force is seeking an experienced commercial contract professional to manage strategic supplier relationships, drive performance, and align commercial outcomes with NZDF objectives. You will develop contract management plans, improve governance, and lead high-value contracts with a focus on delivering value for the Defence community.

The role offers flexible working arrangements and requires NZ citizenship or residency with the ability to obtain higher-level security clearance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in strategic contract management or supplier relationship management.
• Strong commercial acumen and governance experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage priorities and decisions under pressure.
• Experience developing commercial strategies and performance measures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Contract Management Plans and benefits delivery frameworks.
• Ensure suppliers deliver high-quality services that support NZDF operational outputs.
• Provide expert commercial advice throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Lead a portfolio of high-value contracts while shaping supplier performance and governance.

Skills

Contract management

Supplier relationships

Procurement

Commercial management

Stakeholder influence

Job description

About the role

Are you an experienced commercial contract professional who thrives on building strategic partnerships, driving performance, and delivering value in complex environments?

Join the New Zealand Defence Force and play a critical role in managing some of NZDF's most significant supplier relationships. This is a highly influential role where you'll serve as the key interface between NZDF and its strategic suppliers. You'll be responsible for developing strong partnerships, managing contractual performance, resolving complex issues, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring commercial outcomes align with NZDF's strategic objectives.

Other duties include:

• Develop and maintain Contract Management Plans and benefits delivery frameworks.
• Ensure suppliers deliver high-quality services that support NZDF operational outputs.
• Provide expert commercial advice throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Lead a portfolio of high-value and strategically important contracts while helping shape supplier performance, governance, and long-term service delivery.

Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option for flexible working arrangements. The salary for this role ranges from $ 117,440- 136,020, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and 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.

Skills and Experience

We're seeking an experienced commercial contract professional who can build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders, and drive outstanding supplier performance across strategically important defence contracts. You'll bring:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in strategic contract management, supplier relationship management, procurement, or commercial management.
• strong commercial acumen, contract management expertise, and a passion for delivering value, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Experience developing commercial strategies, governance frameworks, and performance measures.

This role requires occasional domestic travel. You need to have a Class 1 Full Driver's Licence.

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.

Higher 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 ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) 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.