About

• Location: Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, or regional offices as agreed Job Type: 18 months Fixed term Lead and manage high-value professional services contracts across NZ’s state highway system. Drive contractor performance and foster collaborative supplier relationships. Deliver value-for-money outcomes that support optimal performance and safety. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We’re looking for a Contract Manager – Professional Services to lead and manage professional services contracts, ensuring effective contract administration, compliance oversight, and service delivery. In this role, you’ll drive contractor performance, foster collaborative supplier relationships, and deliver value-for-money outcomes that support optimal performance and safety across the state highway system. Act as Contract Administrator under NZS 3917, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and delivery requirements. Coordinate with delivery teams and providers to establish and meet design milestones. Secure specialised resources and mitigate operational risks. Foster collaborative relationships between providers and contractors to enhance delivery cohesion. Identify and implement opportunities for early technical input to de-risk project delivery. Maintain comprehensive contract management documentation and performance tracking. Engage with Independent Certifiers and external experts as required. You will find out more about the role here: Position Description Ko koe tēnei | About you Demonstrated experience managing complex professional services contracts (NZS3917/3910) within infrastructure, engineering, or construction. Substantial experience in contract administration, including claim assessment, variation management, and compliance monitoring. Proven ability to manage contractor relationships and drive performance improvement. Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills to achieve value-for-money outcomes. Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and manage complex delivery timeframes. Tertiary qualification in engineering, construction management, contract management, business administration, or equivalent relevant experience. Willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori, promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori, and appreciate Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public service. Mō mātou | About Us Te Toki – Transport Services We deliver great outcomes now and make the future a better place. As kaitiaki of the transport system, we work with partners, for people, for our land, and for the future. Our group designs and delivers integrated land transport network improvements, operates the land transport network for moving people and freight, and maintains land transport corridors as a lifeline service. The Maintenance and Operations team keeps the transport system operational, safe, and optimised to meet the needs of all New Zealanders. Ka whiwhi koe i te aha |What you will get in return You’ll join a team that values wellbeing, collaboration, and courage. We offer: a competitive salary and benefits package, flexible working arrangements (including remote/hybrid options, role dependent), 5 weeks annual leave, and an Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme for all permanent employees. Along with our other benefits, you’ll be part of an organisation that is committed to making a difference for New Zealanders. Ready to take the next step in your career? We’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join our team who is going places. Me pēhea te tuku tono| How to apply: Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. Please note we are on our Christmas break from 23 December 2025 to 12 January 2026. We will respond to your queries as soon as we are back – wishing you a wonderful festive season! Rā Katinga | Applications close: 18 January 2026 For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand. Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process. Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time. Ko wai mātou | About us At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.