Senior Contracts Management Specialist
Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand · Full Time
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- Experience
- 5+ yrs
- Salary
- —
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 3 weeks ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Resume
- Required to apply
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Job description
Role Overview
Invercargill City Council is seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Management Specialist to oversee the lifecycle of complex commercial contracts, ensuring enhanced value, governance, and performance. This role involves working closely with procurement, legal advisors, and contract owners to navigate commercial issues beyond procurement processes, including contract structure, pricing, risk allocation, and managing supplier performance and variations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead management of complex commercial contract matters within the Council’s infrastructure, roading, water, waste, and city services contracts.
- Strengthen the organisation’s contract management capability by coaching managers across departments to effectively manage contracts and cultivate commercial confidence.
- Advise on contract negotiations, commercial risk, governance frameworks, and practical contract management guidance throughout contract lifecycles.
- Develop and continuously improve contract management frameworks, templates, and tools based on lessons learned from supplier interactions and contract variations.
Candidate Profile & Experience
The successful candidate will have a strong track record handling complex, high-value contracts with the practical ability to manage real-world commercial challenges such as major contract variations, supplier performance issues, and escalation procedures.
- Experience leading contract negotiations involving terms, pricing, risk allocation, and major amendments.
- Ability to identify and mitigate risks to contract value and performance.
- Proven skills in resolving challenging supplier and contractual disputes.
- Strong communication and coaching skills to explain complex commercial matters clearly to various stakeholders.
- Excellent relationship management and influencing capabilities to engage with operational teams, procurement, legal advisors, and suppliers.
- Practical, solution-oriented approach with good judgment on when to escalate issues.
- Previous exposure to infrastructure, civil, capital works, or technical service contracts is highly desirable, along with familiarity with public sector procurement processes.
Additional Information
This position reports to the Manager of Procurement and Contracts and plays a pivotal role in enhancing Invercargill City Council’s contract management maturity, impacting supplier performance, risk reduction, and overall value delivery for ratepayers. Flexible working arrangements and relocation assistance are available to suitable candidates. The role offers the chance to combine challenging commercial responsibilities with a high quality of life in Southland’s affordable and picturesque environment.
Application Details
For more information and application instructions, please contact Lisa Edwards (Phone: 021 240 4410 or email: lisa@deciphergroup.co.nz). Applications close on 24 September 2026.