Contract and Commercial Manager

About the role

We’re looking for a high-impact Contract & Commercial Manager who thrives on driving performance, challenging thinking, and shaping better ways of working in our Auckland division.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial Performance, you’ll partner with the General Manager Auckland, taking ownership of the commercial and financial performance and playing a central role in lifting business performance

This is a strategic and hands-on role where you’ll influence decision-making, lead business improvement initiatives, and ensure strong commercial governance across a complex, multi‑unit operation.

What you’ll be doing

Driving Performance

• Own divisional profitability and cashflow outcomes
• Lead forecasting, budgeting, and performance insights that drive action
• Identify root causes and ensure improvement actions are implemented and tracked

Embedding Commercial Excellence

• Lead monthly commercial and project reviews that challenge assumptions and improve outcomes
• Strengthen cost control, forecasting discipline, and decision-making
• Lift commercial capability across the business, not just within your team

Leading Improvement and Change

• Identify opportunities to improve margin, productivity, and operating models
• Lead targeted improvement initiatives and follow through to delivery
• Challenge existing ways of working and help embed better ones

Commercial Leadership & Risk

• Provide leadership on contracts, commercial strategy, and risk management
• Support complex commercial matters including variations, claims, and disputes
• Ensure strong governance and protection of commercial

Strategic

• Partner in shaping strategy, business planning, and growth initiatives
• Provide commercial insight on tenders, pricing, and investment decisions
• Help position the business for future success

About you

You’ll already be operating at a senior level, ideally within a contracting, infrastructure, or project-based environment.

You’ll bring

• Strong commercial and financial leadership experience
• A track record of driving performance improvement, not just analysing it
• Experience working alongside operational leaders to influence outcomes
• Confidence to challenge constructively and hold others to account
• A strategic mindset combined with a bias for action
• Deep analytical capability and the ability to turn data into insight

Formal requirements include

• Degree in Business, Commerce, Accounting, or Finance
• Significant experience in commercial, financial, or contract management roles

What’s in it for you?

Make real impact across Aotearoa in a stable and future‑focused sector. At Northpower, you’ll do work that matters and powers our communities while growing your career in an organisation that genuinely cares for its people.

You’ll benefit from

• A people‑first culture built on safety, inclusion, and deep care, where contributions are recognised and wellbeing is supported through EAP and our award‑winning peer support network
• Fair and market competitive pay with the flexibility to tailor through additional leave and increased employer KiwiSaver contributions
• Life insurance and preventative health initiatives
• Discounted group medical cover and health and fitness programmes
• Discounted fuel rates plus a range of retail discounts
• Ongoing learning and development, with clear career pathways to help you grow, specialise, or progress
• A welcoming, family‑friendly workplace where people are encouraged to be themselves and feel valued

About Northpower – Powering Communities Across Aotearoa

Northpower is an organisation with deep regional roots and national reach. We own and operate the electricity and fibre networks across Whangārei and Kaipara, delivering essential infrastructure to more than 60,000 connected customers, while also operating one of New Zealand’s largest multi‑utility contracting businesses.

From keeping the lights on today to building the infrastructure that will power tomorrow, our work spans electricity, fibre, renewables, transmission, and energy services. With more than 1,400 people across 16 locations, we act as one to support our communities, customers, clients, and critical national infrastructure across Aotearoa.

What connects all of this work is real impact you can see in your community[AW1] [VS2] . The work you do at Northpower matters – it is seen, felt, and relied on every day.

How to apply?

If you’re looking for work that makes a real difference – work, you can be proud of – Northpower offers the opportunity to grow your career while supporting the communities that rely on us every day.

We embrace diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone feels they belong.

Apply now via #REQ2024 and be supported, challenged, and trusted to do work that truly matters.

As part of our commitment to safety and wellbeing, pre‑employment checks will include a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.

Only applicants with the right to work in New Zealand will be considered for this opportunity.