Maintenance Contract Manager - Marlborough Roads

• Lead delivery of our Integrated Delivery Contract across the Marlborough Roads network
• Make a real impact on the roads that connect communities, support businesses, and keep New Zealand moving.
• Based in Blenheim - Full-time position

We're looking for an experienced Maintenance Contract Manager to lead the delivery of our Integrated Delivery Contract (IDC) across the Marlborough Roads network, ensuring safe, reliable and high-performing transport outcomes for customers and communities.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a significant and influential role where you'll act as NZTA's representative and Contract Administrator, managing a major maintenance contract, driving contractor performance, and ensuring the network remains safe, resilient and fit for purpose.

You'll work at the heart of transport delivery, balancing commercial outcomes, technical decision-making, stakeholder relationships and operational performance across a diverse network.

No two days are the same. One day you'll be reviewing maintenance programmes and contract performance, and the next you'll be supporting emergency response activities, managing network disruptions or helping shape future procurement strategies.

What you'll be responsible for

• Leading the administration and delivery of the IDC
• Acting as Contract Administrator under NZS 3917 and ensuring contractual compliance
• Driving contractor performance, accountability and continuous improvement
• Managing contract budgets, forecasts, claims, variations and financial controls
• Reviewing and approving maintenance and renewal programmes
• Supporting emergency response activities and network recovery during significant events
• Building strong relationships with contractors, councils, utility providers and key stakeholders
• Championing health, safety and wellbeing across all aspects of delivery.

View the position description.  Appointment salary is between $133,632 and $148,480 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You'll be a commercially savvy infrastructure professional who understands how to get the best out of complex contracts, suppliers and delivery partners.  You are equally comfortable discussing network performance, managing contract risk, negotiating variations, reviewing financial forecasts, or working alongside operational teams during critical incidents.

Ideally you will have:

• Experience managing large-scale infrastructure maintenance or roading contracts
• Strong knowledge of NZS 3910 and/or NZS 3917 contract frameworks
• Proven experience in contract administration, claims, variations and compliance management
• The ability to influence and build productive supplier relationships
• Strong commercial and financial management capability
• Sound knowledge of asset management and transport infrastructure maintenance practices
• An understanding of health, safety and risk management in operational environments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Ideally, you'll hold a qualification in engineering, infrastructure management, quantity surveying, project management or a related discipline, along with a current New Zealand Driver Licence. Professional registrations or contract management certifications will be highly regarded.

Mō mātou | About us

Our Maintenance and Operations team plays a vital role in keeping New Zealand's transport system safe, resilient and functioning every day. You'll join a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about delivering great outcomes for customers, communities and future generations.

The Marlborough Roads team is responsible for the integrated management of both state highways and local roads, working collaboratively to plan, deliver and maintain a safe, resilient and customer focused transport network. Through planning, effective programme development, strong stakeholder relationships and consistent operational delivery, the team ensures that transport services and infrastructure meet community expectations, achieve value for money, and support long term regional outcomes on behalf of NZTA and Marlborough District Council.

At NZTA, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Influence the performance of a nationally significant transport network
• Work alongside talented and experienced infrastructure professionals
• Lead meaningful work that directly impacts communities and road users
• Grow your career within one of New Zealand's largest infrastructure organisations
• Contribute to a culture that values collaboration, courage, inclusion and continuous improvement.

We offer:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance for permanent employees
• Flexible working arrangements
• A supportive environment where you can grow your career and capability
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for New Zealanders

Ready to help keep New Zealand moving?

If you're an experienced contract management professional looking for an opportunity to combine commercial leadership, operational delivery and strategic impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: 

Please click ‘Apply for this Job’ to upload your CV and cover letter. 

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

9 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.