Principal Contracts Manager - Wellington
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
Permanent full time, Wellington based
Are you an experienced contract management professional looking for a leadership role where you can make a strategic impact? Te Poutāhu is seeking a Principal Contract Manager to lead our contract management team, drive excellence in contract delivery, and manage high-risk, high-value contracts. This is a key leadership position where you will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with Ministry policies and strategic objectives.
In this role, you'll be at the forefront of managing complex supplier relationships, ensuring governance, financial oversight, and performance outcomes are achieved. You will mentor and guide your team while fostering an environment of continuous improvement and upholding the highest standards of contract management.
In this role you will:
Lead and mentor the Te Poutāhu contract management team, driving continuous improvement in processes and outcomes in collaboration with the Ministry’s Commercial and Procurement team.
Manage high-risk and/or high-value contracts, ensuring all contractual deliverables are met, risks are managed, and outcomes are achieved in line with Ministry expectations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and stakeholders, ensuring collaborative, productive partnerships that deliver value for money.
Develop and implement strategies for contract management that align with Ministry frameworks and objectives, ensuring best practices are followed in all contract processes.
Champion the Ministry’s Supplier Relationship Management Framework, identify areas for improvement, and drive initiatives to continuously enhance contract management practices across Te Poutāhu.
Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering their professional development and ensuring high standards of contract management
Salary range: $118,371 - $143,760 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
We are looking for candidates who thrive in structured environments and have a strong attention to details, ensuring all aspects of contract management are handled efficiently and accurately. You will bring an interpersonal savviness that means you relate well to all kinds of people, excelling in building and maintaining effective relationships with a ride range of stakeholders, including senior management, suppliers and internal customers.
To be successful in this role you will offer:
Proven experience in contract management, including negotiation, performance monitoring, and closeout of contracts.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with organisational goals, ensuring continuous improvement and value for money outcomes.
Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, and managing contract budgets and expenditures effectively.
Experience leading teams and driving continuous improvement, while also providing guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
Familiarity with the sectors in which Te Poutāhu operates, and an understanding of market trends, regulations, and best practices.
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
If you're a seasoned contract management professional with a strategic mindset, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for delivering results, we want to hear from you!
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The purpose of Te Poutāhū is to lead the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand and associated systems and processes of assessment and aromatawai.
We design, develop and provide curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA. Our strengths are across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability, inclusive learning support and culturally relevant content so that Te Mahau supports learning that is inclusive for all ākonga.
We support the people who are closest to, and directly serve, ākonga and whānau. We do this through Te Mahau where we connect with the sector, working collaboratively to identify priorities and design local solutions.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Veronica Harvey, Senior Advisor at Veronica.Harvey@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 30 March 2025.
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
