Senior Contracts and Commercial Lead

Shape how we procure, partner, and deliver for our city At Hamilton City Council, our purpose is to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. As our city grows, so does the need for well-planned, commercially sound infrastructure delivery. We’re looking for a highly experienced Senior Contracts and Commercial Lead to provide specialist procurement and commercial leadership across our infrastructure programme—from early planning through to contract formation. This is a key role where you’ll influence how projects are shaped, how we go to market, and how we partner with suppliers to deliver value for our community. Job Description This role sits within the Infrastructure and Assets Group and plays a critical part in programme formation and early planning, shaping procurement strategies, commercial approaches, and supplier engagement. You’ll work closely with Programme Managers, planners, cost estimators, and delivery teams to develop procurement pathways that respond to market conditions, supplier capability, delivery risks, and contractual requirements. What you’ll be doing Commercial and procurement leadership Provide specialist procurement expertise across professional services, construction, operations, and capital delivery Lead procurement for construction and physical works packages, including market engagement, packaging strategies, pricing models, and negotiation Shape early procurement pathways to support informed programme planning decisions Strategic sourcing and delivery support Apply the Professional Services Panel (PSP) strategy, including supplier selection and scope development Develop tender documentation, evaluation frameworks, and recommendation reports Chair tender evaluations and moderation processes with strong governance and probity Provide commercial insights on market behaviour, cost drivers, risk allocation, and supplier capability Contract formation and advisory Lead negotiation of contract terms, pricing mechanisms, and performance requirements Provide advice on variations, claims, disputes, and supplier performance Support contract management planning and continuous improvement of commercial practices People leadership and capability uplift Coach and mentor programme and project teams on procurement planning and commercial evaluation Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing planning and delivery environment Support capability uplift through guidance and knowledge sharing Stakeholder engagement Build strong relationships across Council (Programme Managers, Finance, Legal, Procurement, Asset Management) Work closely with suppliers, consultants, and contractors to support effective procurement outcomes Engage early with teams to identify procurement risks, constraints, and opportunities Risk, governance and quality Identify procurement risks and support mitigation strategies Maintain high standards of commercial integrity, public sector accountability, and legislative compliance Contribute to programme readiness reviews and continuous improvement initiatives Health, safety and wellbeing Embed safe-by-design principles into procurement planning and supplier engagement Identify and manage procurement-related risks that impact safety and delivery This is an opportunity to shape how Hamilton delivers its infrastructure programme—working at the intersection of strategy, procurement, and delivery to achieve better outcomes for our community. If you’re ready to bring your commercial expertise and leadership to a role where you can make a real impact—we’d love to hear from you. Qualifications Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience We’re looking for a commercially astute leader who can influence without authority and shape high-value procurement outcomes. Procurement qualification or significant procurement/commercial experience in construction or infrastructure sectors Strong track record in strategic sourcing, supplier management, commercial negotiation, and complex procurement planning Experience preparing procurement strategies, tender documentation, and evaluation processes across infrastructure, property, or operations Advanced understanding of procurement risk management, commercial frameworks, and contract structures Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills with the ability to influence and guide stakeholders Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify risks, value drivers, and opportunities Proven ability to support a broad range of teams in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment Experience working with Kaupapa Māori and applying tikanga-aligned approaches to procurement Experience in public sector procurement, including knowledge of local government legislation and probity requirements What will make you successful You’ll be someone who: Thinks strategically and brings strong commercial judgement Builds trust quickly and influences across diverse stakeholder groups Balances risk, value, and delivery outcomes effectively Communicates clearly and confidently in complex environments Takes a proactive, solutions-focused approach Supports and develops others through coaching and mentorship Additional Information He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? Circa $138,000 dependent on skills and experience. Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy. Opportunities for professional development. Two Wellbeing days per year. Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted membership rates for family members. Free annual health checks and flu vaccination. Ability to purchase additional annual leave. Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more. Applications close on the: 28 July 2026 Applications will be short-listed as they are received. Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa. All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. 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. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here. It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met. As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact. Job Location #J-18808-Ljbffr