Commercial (Contracts) Manager

Role Overview

As a Commercial (Contracts) Manager, you will oversee the commercial aspects of a significant portfolio composed of strategic contracts and supplier partnerships. Collaborating closely with senior organizational leaders, contract custodians, and suppliers, your focus will be on formulating commercial strategies, negotiating complex agreements, mitigating risks, and ensuring contracts achieve optimal value and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the commercial management of sophisticated contracts and key suppliers.
• Create and execute strategies for commercial operations and supplier relationship management.
• Identify and manage commercial risks, ensuring alignment with company policies and standards.
• Lead negotiations, contract amendments, and performance review meetings.
• Compose detailed reports, business cases, briefings, and actionable recommendations for executive leadership.
• Offer guidance, mentorship, and coaching to contract managers.
• Promote continuous enhancement by developing commercial tools, systems, and procedural frameworks.
• Conduct assurance audits and report on the performance of the overall contract portfolio.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Extensive experience managing complex, high-value, and high-risk contracts.
• Proven record in creating commercial and supplier management strategies.
• Strong expertise in negotiating complex contractual agreements.
• Ability to deliver trusted commercial advice to senior leadership.
• Experience in commercial risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
• Successful track record in managing supplier performance and resolving intricate issues.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Sound commercial and financial insight with capability to analyze performance and expenditure data.
• Experience in developing frameworks, templates, and best practices for contract management.
• A collaborative approach with skills to mentor, coach, and influence.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional accreditations in commercial management or procurement.

Desired Background

Experience in government, public sector procurement, or in complex regulated environments will be considered highly advantageous.

What This Role Offers

• Opportunity to lead a major commercial portfolio that influences strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with seasoned leaders and key decision-makers.
• Impact commercial results across a large, complex organisation.
• Engage in a value-driven and cooperative working culture.
• Based in Wellington, contributing meaningfully toward New Zealand's future development.
• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

Additional Information

All candidate inquiries and applications will be handled with strict confidentiality. For a discreet discussion about this opportunity, please contact the recruitment team directly via email or phone as indicated.