Contract Manager

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category: Environmental Services

• Strategic leadership of complex public transport contracts $120m annual spend
• Influence commercial, operational and customer outcomes
• Join a purpose-driven organisation serving Canterbury communities

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

As Contract Manager, you'll be responsible for leading a portfolio of high-value, complex public transport and service provider contracts. Acting as the primary commercial lead, you'll ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with customer, regulatory and organisational expectations. This role combines strategic relationship management, commercial expertise and governance leadership to drive continuous improvement and value-for-money outcomes across Canterbury's public transport network.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team as we prepare to re-tender our bus operating contracts and deliver a new operating model where Canterbury Regional Council gains control of strategic enabling assets.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Manage complex transport service contracts and governance frameworks.
• Lead contract negotiations, renewals, variations and dispute resolution.
• Monitor performance, compliance, risk and financial outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with operators, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice and insights to support decision-making and service improvements.

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You're an experienced commercial or contract management professional who thrives in complex stakeholder environments. You combine strong commercial acumen with excellent relationship-building skills and can confidently navigate negotiations, governance forums and strategic discussions. You are analytical, solutions-focused and motivated by delivering outcomes that benefit communities.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

Ideally, You’ll Have a Relevant Tertiary Qualification In Business, Commerce, Law, Procurement, Contract Management Or a Related Field Along With

• Minimum 7 years' experience managing complex operational, service or commercial contracts.
• Extensive experience managing complex service or commercial contracts.
• Strong contract governance, performance and risk management expertise.
• Proven success building trusted stakeholder and supplier relationships.
• The ability to interpret performance data and provide practical recommendations.
• Experience leading negotiations, contract variations and resolving complex issues.
• Demonstrated commercial judgement and risk management capability.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working across multidisciplinary teams

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha |

Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Derek Walsh on 027 230 6024.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday, 16 September and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can