Contracts Manager - Major Civil Infrastructure & Three Waters

Contracts Manager - Major Civil Infrastructure & Three Waters SBA Civil – Wellington Central, North Island Position Description — Contracts Manager Major Civil Infrastructure & Three Waters About SBA Civil SBA Civil Ltd is a privately owned civil infrastructure contractor, founded in 2020 and now one of New Zealand's fastest-growing construction companies (Deloitte Fast 50). We deliver complex civil, drainage and three waters projects across the Wellington region for clients including Wellington Water, KiwiRail, NZTA/Ventia, Kapiti Coast District Council and major infrastructure alliances such as O2NL. Our point of difference is a client-side infrastructure background that lets us operate with the compliance, systems and delivery discipline of a Tier 1 contractor, on projects other contractors avoid. Role Purpose The Contracts Manager will take ownership of the commercial, contractual and programme delivery of SBA Civil's Major Civil Infrastructure and Three Waters projects — including Wellington Water and Tiaki Wai works. This role is central to how SBA Civil wins, contracts, programmes and financially delivers projects, working from tender through to practical completion and final account. Day-to-day site operations are led by the Operations Manager and Site Supervisors/Engineers. The Contracts Manager owns the contractual and commercial framework those teams work within — pricing, contract administration, claims, EOTs, client notifications and programme — and provides direction to site crews and engineers to ensure delivery matches the contracted scope, programme and margin. Reporting Line Reports to the General Manager and the Managing Director/company owner. Key Focus Areas Major civil infrastructure and three waters delivery, including Wellington Water / Tiaki Wai programmes of work. Contract administration under NZS 3910, from tender pricing through to final account. Programme and production management across multiple concurrent sites. Leadership of site crews and engineers to ensure contractual, safety and quality outcomes are met. Contract Administration & Commercial (NZS 3910) In-depth, hands-on understanding of NZS 3910 contracts — roles of the Engineer, payment schedules, variations, and dispute/resolution processes. Manage the monthly payment claims process: valuation of work completed, substantiation of variations, and negotiation with the Engineer to Contract. Prepare, submit and negotiate Extension of Time (EOT) claims — identifying delay events, causation, critical path impact and evidential back-up. Issue timely and contractually compliant client notifications (early warnings, notices of delay/disruption, variation notices) to protect SBA Civil's contractual position. Capable of first-principles job cost build-up for tenders, working with the Managing Director on pricing and tender strategy. Manage project financials and cost-to-complete reporting to ensure jobs deliver the forecast margin. Programming Build contract programmes from scratch (Microsoft Project or equivalent) and keep them updated as the authoritative record of progress and critical path. Understand production targets, resourcing and sequencing well enough to reprogramme around delays, weather, and scope change. Use the programme as the evidential basis for EOT claims and client discussions on schedule impact. Three Waters / Wellington Water & Tiaki Wai Working understanding of water network shutdown and tie-in planning — sequencing, notice periods, and coordination with network operations. Experience navigating Wellington Water / Tiaki Wai approval processes — permits, traffic management, and inspection and hold points required to proceed with works. Manage submission of plans to local authorities and liaise with stakeholders (including Wellington Water/Tiaki Wai) to arrange inspections throughout the project. Extensive knowledge of the drainage industry, ideally including three waters renewals and reticulation work. Manage and direct site crews and engineers across live projects, setting clear contractual and programme expectations. Capable of managing time across multiple projects and head office as required, working in isolation where needed. Have open, honest conversations with the team — able to hold people accountable while building trust. Happy to step in and get hands dirty where a job is short a supervisor or manager, filling the gap short-term. Quality, Safety & Compliance In-depth understanding of job quality and specification requirements, particularly drainage and civil works in the Wellington region. Capable of building an ITP (Inspection & Test Plan) from job-specific specifications. Manage and monitor adherence to legislation, standards, and safety performance across projects. Understanding of “Tier 1” systems and procedures gained on large government-funded infrastructure projects. Experience & Attributes 5+ years' leadership/management experience within the Wellington region, well connected within the local civil and three waters market. Previous experience managing NZS 3910 contracts is essential. Advanced skills in Word, Excel, Microsoft Project and PowerPoint. Strong estimating, tendering and commercial knowledge, with the ability to drive end-to-end bid strategy and proposal development. Well-developed business acumen with the ability to think and act strategically. Trustworthy, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities. A relationship builder and natural people person, with strong initiative and a drive to succeed. Loyal, personable, easy to get on with, and a positive contributor to company culture. What We Offer A competitive salary package based on experience, with a bonus structure based on company performance for the right person. Company vehicle — new Toyota. Direct mentoring from the Managing Director and General Manager, with a genuine path. The opportunity to help shape and grow a business recognised as one of New Zealand's fastest-growing construction companies. #J-18808-Ljbffr