Contract Manager - Roading

Work options

• Deliver infrastructure that directly supports your community
• Lead contracts end-to-end with autonomy and trust
• Build your career while enjoying the Nelson way of life

Te Kaunihera o Whakatū | Nelson City Council, is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to join our professional roading operations team. This key role manages a range of roading related contracts to ensure services meet operational requirements and provides high quality technical support and advice on roading and road safety issues.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

We are Whakatū Nelson, a city where creativity, prosperity, and innovation thrive. Our vision is to foster a community that is inclusive, resilient, and deeply connected. Here we prioritise caring for one another and our taio environment, building a vibrant and supportive place for everyone.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This role has a strong focus on looking after Nelson’s critical road structure assets, while also supporting the wider road maintenance programme that keeps the network running smoothly. You’ll lead a diverse portfolio of operational contracts, from maintenance and renewals through to pavement rehabilitation and minor works, ensuring everything is delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

You’ll bring an advisory lens to the team, providing practical guidance across projects and contributing your technical expertise where it’s needed most. Building strong relationships will be key, as you work closely with contractors and internal teams to guide performance, resolve issues, and keep delivery on track. Alongside this, you’ll help shape the future of the network. Using asset data and condition insights, you'll identify improvements, optimise costs, and support smart, long-term planning.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’re a confident, practical professional who knows how to get things done and build strong working relationships along the way.

You may already be in the contract or project management field or you might bring solid hands on experience in roading operations and be ready to step up.

We’d love to hear from you if you bring:

• Strong knowledge of roading maintenance, asset management, and road safety principles (including the Safe Systems approach)
• Experience managing contracts within NZS 3910 / 3917
• The ability to build trust and communicate effectively with contractors, colleagues, and stakeholders
• Solid analytical thinking, with confidence interpreting contracts, data, and performance metrics
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with a drive to improve services and deliver better outcomes
• Most importantly, you’re someone who takes ownership, works collaboratively, and is motivated by delivering work that makes a real difference.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

At Nelson City Council, you’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, professionalism, and delivering work that truly matters. You’ll see the impact of what you do every day — while growing your career in a supportive environment.

We offer:

• Wellbeing that's prioritised, with access to wellbeing leave, tools and initiatives that support you
• Health cover through fully subsidised health insurance
• Generous leave provisions
• Ongoing growth with a strong focus on learning, development and career progression
• Access to a range of employee benefits and discounts
• A lifestyle like no other with mountains, beaches and national parks right on your doorstep
• $86k - $96K per annum, depending on skills and experience

If you’re ready to take on an operational contract management role that makes a real difference in our community, we’d love to hear from you!

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Monday 29 June 2026

Applications will be reviewed as received and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early, so we encourage you to apply without delay.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to Fred Ludik, Team Leader Transport Operations on ***email_hidden***