Maintenance Contract Manager - IDC

New Zealand Government; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A national transport agency is looking for a Contract Management Specialist in Canterbury. This role involves managing multi-million-dollar contracts and enhancing contractor performance while ensuring compliance with project delivery standards. Candidates should possess a tertiary qualification in engineering or a related field, alongside strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to well-being and collaboration within the team.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave

Income Protection Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex infrastructure maintenance contracts.
• Strong commercial acumen and proven negotiation abilities.
• Financial management expertise, including forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Integrated Delivery Contract for your region.
• Drive contractor performance and ensure compliance.
• Oversee contract administration and programme delivery.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Asset management

Education

Tertiary qualification in engineering or related field

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**Location:** Timaru **Job Type:** Full-Time, Permanent **Why this is an amazing opportunity*** Take ownership of multi-million-dollar contracts and drive real impact* Lead performance, innovation, and resilience across NZ's state highways* Join a national team that values your expertise and invests in your growth**Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity** Step into a pivotal leadership role where you'll manage the Integrated Delivery Contract (IDC) for your region-overseeing contract administration, compliance, and programme delivery for some of New Zealand's most critical infrastructure. You'll drive contractor performance, foster collaborative supplier relationships, and deliver value-for-money outcomes that keep our state highways safe, resilient, and future-ready. You'll be the go-to expert for contract management, technical oversight, and emergency response, with the autonomy to make a real difference.Find out more about the role here: **Ko koe tēnei | About you** You're a contract management specialist with:* Demonstrated experience managing complex infrastructure maintenance contracts (NZS3917/3910 preferred)* Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills* Proven ability to drive contractor performance and implement improvement plans* Deep understanding of asset management, maintenance practices, and health & safety* Financial management expertise, including forecasting and value assessment* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills* Tertiary qualification in engineering, quantity surveying, infrastructure management, project management, or related field (or equivalent experience)* A current and valid NZ Driver's LicenceAt Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, we're committed to delivering great outcomes for New Zealanders-now and for the future. Our Maintenance and Operations team keeps the transport system safe, reliable, and optimised, ensuring people and freight can move efficiently every day. We value collaboration, courage, and wellbeing in everything we do. **Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return** You'll join a team that values wellbeing, collaboration, and courage. We offer:* A competitive salary and benefits package* Flexible working arrangements (role dependent)* 5 weeks annual leave* Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for all permanent employees* Appointment at a salary between 131,000-175,000 of band, commensurate with skills and experience* The chance to lead contracts with budgets up to $130M+ and make your mark on NZ's transport future.Along with these benefits, you'll be part of an organisation that is committed to making a difference for New Zealanders. We'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team that's going places. **Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:** Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. **Please note we are on our Christmas break from 23 December 2025 to 12 January 2026. We will respond to your queries as soon as we are back - wishing you a wonderful festive season!****Rā Katinga | Applications close:11:00pm,18 January 2026**For further information, email: [e-mail] be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.NZTA| Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.| Location: | Canterbury |