Contract Manager - Bus

Te Whiwhinga mahi- The Opportunity – Contract Manager Bus The Contract Manager Bus is responsible for managing contractual relationships between AT and bus operators, ensuring conformance by operators and AT with contract requirements, for negotiating service changes and improvements, ensuring that contracts are kept up-to-date and relevant, and the that desired outcomes from contracts are achieved. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of bus service contracts, partnering with operators, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure high-performing public transport services for Aucklanders. Key tasks will include: Managing the contractual relationship between Public Transport & Active Modes and the Operator in delivering services as per contract. Developing and maintaining effective, high performing working relationships that build openness and trust, and become a key enabler to the successful delivery of contract obligations. Supporting the PT Service Operations team in the operational delivery of services and provide expert contractual support and interpretation to stakeholders. Ensure alignment with the suppliers around levels of understanding and expectations on: full scope of obligations to be delivered, the standards, policies and other processes that must be adhered to, the work required to mobilise, and then fully embed any new contracts, as required. Overseeing Contract schedule reporting activities, by identifying process requirements and improvements to ensure compliance, price management and contract administration. Obtaining necessary approvals for contract variations, contract extensions, implementation, reporting, invoicing, closeout and compliance. Supporting a centre-of-excellence approach to contract management across the Public Transport & Active Modes division. Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring? A tertiary qualification in commerce, business, law or equivalent discipline. Minimum 5 years’ experience in a contract management role. Managing contracts in a large political or complex organisation. Proven experience in managing relationships with senior stakeholders. Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills. Excellent analytical and critical thinking capability. Masters level tertiary degree Membership of Professional Body Understanding of local government environments. Knowledge of the public transport sector. How the Transport Reform Programme impacts this role: Auckland is entering a new chapter in how transport is planned, delivered, and experienced. The Transport Reform Programme, formalised in May 2026, with some Auckland Transport functions moving to Auckland Council and AT becoming more focused on public transport. As part of these changes, this role is proposed to remain within Auckland Transport following transition. Candidates progressing through the process will receive further information on the proposed changes. If successful, any offer will be conditional on acknowledgement of these proposed changes, should the proposal proceed. If your role transitions to Auckland Council, you will receive a formal offer outlining your terms and conditions of employment from Council at the relevant time. We tiaki all those who use transport in Tāmaki Makaurau. Expertise Account Management, Contract Management, Public Transport, Stakeholder relationships #J-18808-Ljbffr