Senior Contracts Manager

Help shape the future of education in NewZealand. We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes. Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
\n Permanent, fulltime opportunity Wellington‑based

Are you an experienced contract manager with a passion for fostering strong supplier relationships and driving effective contract outcomes? We have an exciting opportunity for you to make a significant impact as a Senior Contract Manager within Te Poutāhū's Contract Management team! In this senior role, you'll work closely with both the broader team and the Ministry's Commercial and Procurement team to ensure all commercial and contract management activities align with strategic objectives, policies, and frameworks. You'll manage medium‑risk and value contracts, supporting complex supplier relationships while ensuring risks and issues are identified and managed effectively.

\n
• Oversee low to medium‑risk contracts, ensuring compliance with Ministry policies, governance, and financial management.
\n
• Actively contribute to Supplier Relationship Management objectives and maintain strong, cooperative relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
\n
• Track contract performance, timelines, and budget, ensuring that outcomes align with Ministry expectations.
\n
• Engage with suppliers and internal teams to resolve contractual issues, escalating complex matters when necessary.
\n
• Facilitate contract reviews, negotiations, and ensure terms are understood and adhered to by all parties.
\n
• Provide support and guidance to junior contract management team members.
\n

Salary range: $100,296 – $121,490 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

\n
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and a keen eye for identifying and addressing complex issues.
\n
• Expertise in risk assessment and mitigation in contract management activities.
\n
• Ability to navigate and negotiate commercial contracts with confidence.
\n
• Knowledge of fostering positive supplier relationships for optimal contract outcomes.
\n
• Experience in leading and mentoring junior staff to drive team success.
\n
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
\n

The purpose of Te Poutāhū is to lead the national curricula for Aotearoa NewZealand and associated systems and processes of assessment and aromatawai. We design, develop, and provide curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA. Our strengths are across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability, inclusive learning support and culturally relevant content so that TeMahau supports learning that is inclusive for all ākonga. We support the people who are closest to, and directly serve, ākonga and whānau. We do this through TeMahau where we connect with the sector, working collaboratively to identify priorities and design local solutions.