Contracts 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 shaping the future of our district. We're here to serve our community and create a place where people love to live, work and visit. Guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we're committed to building strong partnerships that respect and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

Innovation, sustainability and collaboration drive everything we do as we deliver services and initiatives that support our vision: a thriving, connected and future-focused district.

At Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu, we're proud to be an inclusive, dynamic organisation that values people, creativity and progress. If you're passionate about making a real impact and being part of something bigger, this is the place for you.

The opportunity - Te āheinga

We're looking for a Contracts and Commercial Specialist to join our Delivery and Enablement Group at NPDC on a four-year fixed-term basis, covering a secondment.

This is a pivotal role 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 all commercial aspects of construction projects, including variations, cost reporting and payment claims
• Analyse contracts and procurement data to identify risks, trends and cost-saving opportunities
• Oversee procurement activities, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards
• Monitor and report on KPIs for procurement, supplier and contract management
• Provide support in quantity surveying, contract administration and commercial management
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure timely delivery of milestones and effective risk management
• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering professional development and continuous improvement
• Ensure legislative compliance and alignment with NPDC frameworks, including safety considerations in planning
• Contribute to lessons learned reviews and implement key improvements across projects

Essential skills and experience - Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• Diploma in Quantity Surveying or Project Management (bachelor's degree preferred)
• Minimum of three plus years of experience in commercial and contract management in New Zealand
• 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

Desirables:

• 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 isn't just a region - it's a way of life. Here, you'll find the perfect blend of career opportunities and lifestyle in one incredible place. Framed by the majestic Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, this is where you can hike world-class trails, surf uncrowded beaches and immerse yourself in a vibrant arts and culture scene - all within minutes of each other.

With affordable living, great schools and a strong sense of community, Taranaki is the ideal spot to live, work and raise a family. Whether you're chasing adventure, craving tranquillity or looking for both, life here offers an unbeatable balance that makes every day extraordinary.

What we offer - Ngā ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we're not just offering jobs - we're building careers and creating a workplace where people thrive.

When you join us, you'll discover:

• Clear career pathways - to help you grow and succeed
• Learning and development opportunities - that keep you ahead of the game
• Support for personal and professional growth - so you can be your best self

Plus, our People's Package is designed with you in mind, covering five key pillars: wellbeing, development, benefits, culture and recognition.

Because at NPDC, it's not just about what you do - it's about who you become.

You can expect to start in this four-year, full-time, fixed-term role with a salary of between $82,491 - $88,906.

Why join us? - Ngā hua o tō hono mai?

Your wellbeing matters to us. We're committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and celebrated. Together, we're shaping a vibrant future for New Plymouth - one step, one idea, one achievement at a time.

Applications close Friday, 30 January 2026.

Be part of a council that values people, culture and opportunity.

Me tūhono mai koe kia tautoko I te Ngāmotu o āpōpō!

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.