Maintenance Contract Manager - Hawke's Bay

• Lead performance, innovation, and resilience across NZ’s state highways
• Take ownership of multi-million-dollar contracts and drive real impact
• Join a national team that values your expertise and invests in your growth
• Permanent, full-time position – based in Napier

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Step into a pivotal lead role where you’ll manage the Integrated Delivery Contract (IDC) for the Hawke’s Bay 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: Position Description

Appointment salary range is from $140,000 to $160,000, commensurate with skills and experience

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 Licence

Mō mātou | About Us

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, 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 well-being in everything we do.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

You’ll join a team that values well-being, collaboration, and courage. We offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package including 5 weeks annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements (role dependent)
• Free Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for all permanent employees
• The chance to lead contracts with a budget up to $40M+ 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.

Ready to step up and lead the future of NZ’s state highway maintenance?
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.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

3 August 2026

For further information, email: [email protected]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

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.