Contract Manager | Wellington | Permanent

Ministry of Social Development NZ – Wellington, North Island $90,743 - $109,980 a year Full time, Permanent 6d ago , from Ministry of Social Development Manage contracts and provider relationships for DSS Drive high-quality service delivery and robust contract management Join a collaborative, purpose-led public sector team Join our Disability Support Services team to manage provider relationships, drive high performance, and ensure the effective use of public funds. The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau. We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business‑as‑usual effectively. We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities. We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact. About the role | Mō te tūnga As Contract Manager, you’ll oversee assigned contracts and provider relationships to ensure effective commissioning and delivery of outcomes for disabled people. You’ll manage the full contract lifecycle, monitor provider performance, address risks and issues, and act as a key liaison between DSS and third-party providers. Your work will ensure all commissioning activities are transparent, well‑documented, and aligned with organisational policies and requirements. This role can be based in either our Wellington office and is a permanent full‑time role. Key responsibilities include: Oversee development, execution, monitoring, and compliance of assigned contracts Manage contract lifecycle, including renewals, variations and terminations Drive high performance and value through robust contract management Build and manage effective relationships with providers and stakeholders Act as a point of escalation to resolve contract‑related issues, disputes, or misunderstandings Monitor financial expenditure and ensure budgets are adhered to Conduct regular contract and provider performance reviews, implementing improvements Identify, investigate, and resolve contract or provider issues, escalating as needed We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community. Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you. Proven experience in procurement, commercial, or contract management A demonstrated understanding of contract management principles and commissioning Proficiency with contract management systems and standard office software Demonstrate flexibility and adapts confidently to changing priorities, emerging issues, and shifting organisational needs. Excellent relationship and engagement skills with providers and stakeholders Highly developed communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities Analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail in documentation and reporting Ability to manage a large volume of contracts and competing priorities while meeting deadlines Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $90,743.00 - $109,980.00 The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people‑centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are. Manage contracts and provider relationships for DSS Drive high-quality service delivery and robust contract management Join a collaborative, purpose‑led public sector team Join our Disability Support Services team to manage provider relationships, drive high performance, and ensure the effective use of public funds. About our team | Mō te tīma The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high‑quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau. We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business‑as‑usual effectively. We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence‑based decision‑making. It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities. We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact. About the role | Mō te tūnga As Contract Manager, you’ll oversee assigned contracts and provider relationships to ensure effective commissioning and delivery of outcomes for disabled people. You’ll manage the full contract lifecycle, monitor provider performance, address risks and issues, and act as a key liaison between DSS and third‑party providers. Your work will ensure all commissioning activities are transparent, well‑documented, and aligned with organisational policies and requirements. This role can be based in either our Wellington office and is a permanent full‑time role. Key responsibilities include: Oversee development, execution, monitoring, and compliance of assigned contracts Manage contract lifecycle, including renewals, variations and terminations Drive high performance and value through robust contract management Build and manage effective relationships with providers and stakeholders Act as a point of escalation to resolve contract‑related issues, disputes, or misunderstandings Monitor financial expenditure and ensure budgets are adhered to Conduct regular contract and provider performance reviews, implementing improvements Identify, investigate, and resolve contract or provider issues, escalating as needed We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community. Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you. What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga Proven experience in procurement, commercial, or contract management A demonstrated understanding of contract management principles and commissioning Proficiency with contract management systems and standard office software Demonstrate flexibility and adapts confidently to changing priorities, emerging issues, and shifting organisational needs. Excellent relationship and engagement skills with providers and stakeholders Highly developed communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities Analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail in documentation and reporting Ability to manage a large volume of contracts and competing priorities while meeting deadlines Salary | Utu‑ā‑tau: $90,743.00 - $109,980.00 Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 12 August 2026. About us | Mō mātou The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people‑centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are. #J-18808-Ljbffr