Strategic Relationship Manager at NZ Super Fund

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

26 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Supplier Relationship Management, Investment Operations, Custody, Data Management, Order Management Systems, Strategic Planning, Performance Reviews, Risk Management, Contract Negotiation, Financial Acumen, Commercial Capability, Governance, Technical Oversight, Change Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Innovation Enablement

Industry

Description

Haere Mai! We are the Kaitiaki / Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation. We are proud of our Te Whāinga / Our purpose: Sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders. We invest government contributions to the NZ Super Fund, a global investment fund helping to ensure the country can pay for the growing cost of universal superannuation (New Zealand Superannuation) in the future. We also oversee the Elevate Fund, which invests in small, fast-growing New Zealand companies. At the Guardians there’s an energy, passion and a shared commitment to excellence: in 2024 the NZ Super Fund was named the world’s best-performing sovereign wealth fund. The work is complex, innovative and intellectually stimulating. Sustainable finance, including a commitment to being net zero by 2050, is core to our Mātāpono / way of working. We’re looking for an experienced Strategic Relationship Manager to take ownership of some of our most critical investment service partnerships. This is a senior, technically grounded role where you’ll sit at the intersection of investment operations, technology, risk and finance — ensuring our key suppliers continue to enable performance, resilience and innovation at scale. About the role Reporting to the Head of Finance & Investment Operations, this role is accountable for the strategic direction, performance and resilience of the Fund’s most important noninvestment manager supplier relationships. These include global partners across custody, asset servicing, order management, asset, data and risk platforms. You’ll act as the enterprise wide orchestrator for these relationships — providing clear strategic leadership, robust governance and deep technical oversight — while preserving strong day-to-day connections between suppliers and business units. This is not a transactional vendor role. It’s a strategic, investment focused position requiring credibility with senior leaders, confidence engaging at Board level, and the ability to translate investment and operational priorities into long-term supplier strategies. What you’ll be responsible for In this role, you will: Set and execute the supplier relationship strategy for critical investment service providers Lead strategic planning, quarterly performance reviews and joint improvement roadmaps Oversee supplier performance, compliance, resilience and crisis preparedness Lead supplier risk management and contract governance within the Fund’s risk appetite Negotiate and manage contracts to protect the Fund’s interests and secure value for money Identify and enable supplier led innovation that enhances investment and operational outcomes Manage supplier related operating and capital expenditure budgets Act as a trusted connector across investment, operations, technology and risk Provide leadership on supplier related change initiatives and implementations Champion the Fund’s values and contribute to a strong, constructive culture About you You’ll bring deep experience in supplier and relationship management within investment operations, custody, data or order management system environments, along with the judgement and confidence to operate in complex, high-stakes settings. You’re someone who: Has led strategic supplier relationships in investment, asset management or asset servicing environments Understands investment operations and can translate business drivers into actionable supplier strategies Is comfortable influencing at executive and Board level Stays current with industry and technology trends and can bring others along the change journey Has delivered largescale supplier or operating model change Makes sound decisions, even with incomplete information Brings strong financial, commercial and contract management capability A relevant tertiary qualification is expected, with additional supplier management or procurement qualifications advantageous. What we offer A dynamic, exciting place to work with a team united by our common purpose of sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders. Competitive remuneration package including base salary, discretionary bonus programme, and up to 8% KiwiSaver matching. World class professional development, career pathways and job rotation opportunities. Comprehensive leave and benefits programme including strong parental leave package and insurance cover. Flexible and accessible work environment that reflects our commitment to equity and an inclusive team. How to apply: We encourage and welcome applications from people with diverse experience, including applicants interested in discussing flexible work options and those with specific disability needs. As a proudly committed equal opportunity employer, we challenge discrimination and actively work to eliminate bias in our hiring practices. Diversity of experience and diversity of background help us to solve complex problems and deliver on our purpose. We recognise the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and invest in partnership with a range of Iwi/Māori organisations. We warmly welcome and value Mana Whenua who wish to work with us. We are committed to understanding Te Ao Māori and integrating it into our workplace culture, for the benefit of all future generations in Aotearoa. Please forward your details in strict confidence by clicking 'apply' below.

Responsibilities

This senior role is accountable for the strategic direction, performance, and resilience of the Fund’s most important non-investment manager supplier relationships, acting as an enterprise-wide orchestrator for global partners across custody, asset servicing, and various platforms. Responsibilities include setting supplier strategy, leading performance reviews, overseeing risk management, negotiating contracts, and enabling supplier-led innovation to enhance operational outcomes.