Contract and Commercial Specialist

Join Us at New Plymouth District Council
Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu
Who Are We? | Ko wai mātou?
Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu - New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is dedicated to serving our community and enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here. We are guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to fostering partnerships that respect and celebrate our district’s rich cultural heritage. Through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we aim to deliver exceptional services and initiatives that support our vision of building a thriving, connected, and future-focused district. At Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity, and progress.
The Opportunity | Te āheinga
We’re looking for a Contracts and Commercial Specialist to join our Project Management Office (PMO) team at NPDC on a 4-year fixed term basis, covering a secondment.
This is a pivotal role in Procurement and Commercial Service team, directly reporting to the Procurement and Commercial Service Manager and supporting our construction projects by leading commercial activities across contract management, procurement and financial reporting. You’ll be instrumental in managing contract variations, payment claims and cost analysis to ensure projects are delivered efficiently on time and within budget.
As a trusted specialist, you’ll help drive value through strategic procurement, identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure compliance with industry standards and NPDC policies. Your expertise will contribute to a high-performance project environment, helping us deliver infrastructure that supports the future of our district.
Key Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa matua
Manage and oversee all aspects of construction project commercial activities, including variations, cost reporting, and payment claims.
Analyse contract and procurement data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost savings.
Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to procurement, supplier and contract management activities
Coordinate and manage procurement activities, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards.
Collaborate with project teams to ensure timely and accurate delivery of project milestones.
Provide support on quantity surveying, contract and commercial management matters.
Provide support to the procurement and commercial team and assist with continuous improvement or other duties (as assigned) related to procurement, supplier management, payment claims or contract administration.
Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
Actively ensure that legislative requirements and Council policies and procedures are fulfilled, particularly in relation to all key relevant legislation.
Undertake activities aligned to NPDCs project management framework and Cost estimation & Contingency Framework.
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement to enable effective and efficient planning and delivery.
Proactively identify and effectively manage risks, working collaboratively to resolve complex issues to minimise or avoid risks to NPDC, escalating those that cannot be avoided to management and project governance.
Participate in project lessons learnt reviews and support the implementation of the key learnings across the team.
Ensure safety is considered in the early procurement planning stages including identifying optioneering and that health and safety information gathered during the planning stage is passed onto the delivery team.
Essential Skills and Experience | Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako
Minimum Diploma in Quantity Surveying or Project Management (bachelor’s degree preferred).
Minimum of 4+ years of experience in Commercial and Contract management.
Strong knowledge of construction project commercial management, including variations, cost reporting, and payment claims.
Proficient in data analysis and report preparation.
Proficient in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organisational and time management abilities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Project management background is an added advantage.
Desirable
Public sector commercial and procurement experience
Experience with data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI) is a plus
Why Taranaki? | He aha ngā hua o te rohe nei?
Taranaki is a region like no other, offering a perfect balance of career opportunities and lifestyle. Nestled between the stunning Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, it’s a place where you can explore world-class hiking trails, surf pristine beaches, and enjoy vibrant arts and culture, all within minutes of each other. The region boasts affordable living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise