Contracts Lead at Napier City Council

Poraiti, Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

24 Sep, 26

Salary

138383.0

Posted On

26 Jun, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Contract Management, Commercial Governance, Procurement, Risk Management, Contract Negotiation, Stakeholder Management, Leadership, Commercial Judgement, Infrastructure Delivery, Audit and Assurance, Supplier Performance Management, Strategic Planning

Industry

Government Administration

Description

This is a key leadership opportunity to shape how Napier City Council plans, negotiates, and manages its contractual arrangements across capital projects, renewals, maintenance, and operational services. Your expertise will directly influence delivery certainty, value for money, and supplier performance across a complex and growing portfolio. As Contracts Lead, you will be the Council’s senior specialist for contract management and commercial governance setting the standard for how contracts are structured, administered, and managed throughout their lifecycle. Working within the EPMO, you’ll partner closely with delivery teams to ensure contracts are robust, risks are actively managed, and commercial outcomes support successful project and operational delivery. This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with action. You’ll work closely with internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and industry partners to create smarter, more efficient ways of working while ensuring compliance, performance, and commercial outcomes remain front of mind. Alongside this, you’ll lead and mentor a small team, creating a collaborative and high-performing environment where people are supported to succeed. Te Āheinga - The Opportunity Lead the end‑to‑end contract management function across Council, from contract strategy and formation through to delivery, variations, and close‑out Set and uplift Council’s contract management frameworks, tools, templates, and governance practices Develop and enhance contract frameworks, supplier panels, alliances, and contract delivery models Lead and Support contract negotiations, risk management, and performance outcomes across various council contracts Partner with project, asset, and operational teams to improve contract accountability and delivery confidence Lead contract assurance and audit activity, including supporting and responding to contract management audits and funding assurance requirements (e.g. NZTA), and driving corrective actions where required Build strong relationships with suppliers, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders Lead, mentor and support a capable contracts team while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement He kōrero mōhou - About You Proven experience leading contracts, procurement, or commercial delivery within infrastructure, construction, or complex operational environments Strong commercial judgement with the ability to navigate risk, negotiations, and contract outcomes confidently You bring strong contract leadership experience and are confident operating in complex delivery environments. You are practical, commercially astute, and comfortable stepping into detail when required, while also thinking strategically about how systems and frameworks can work better. Naturally collaborative, with the ability to build trusted relationships across teams, suppliers, and industry partners A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with an eye for opportunities to improve value, efficiency, and performance Leadership experience that brings out the best in others through clear direction, support, and coaching Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy Retailer discounts + study assistance Employee Assistance Program (OCP) Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club Free flu vaccinations (annual) Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka Te Reo Māori language classes This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier. The annual salary package for this role is $123,817 - $138,383 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience. We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help! Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training. Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most. Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description Job Description – Contracts Lead

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end contract management function for the Council, including strategy, formation, and delivery across capital projects and operational services. Establish contract management frameworks and mentor a small team to ensure commercial outcomes and compliance.