NZDF Is Looking For Contract Relationship Manager at Whenuapai, Auckland Full Time

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Contract Relationship Manager (CRM) team works closely with NZDF Commanders, stakeholders, and suppliers to maximise the effectiveness of supplier service delivery, ensure the provision of value for money products and/or services, and initiate commercial improvement and innovation for the New Zealand Defence Force. The CRM’s portfolio will be made up of a mix of high value/high importance contracts and a number of low-medium value/importance contracts and within this portfolio the CRM will provide commercial direction and, when required, will fulfil the role of contract sponsor.

Key duties of the CRM will include:

• Management of suppliers and contracts within a portfolio; to meet or exceed contracted performance levels and service deliverables;
• Developing and implementing strategies to deal with underperforming contracts, and exploiting mutual benefits;
• Developing and delivering commercial communications packages and presentations, both at an operating and strategic level;
• Effective delegation of day to day management of low-medium value/importance contracts to the Supplier Relationship Unit Contract Support Managers, ensuring appropriate guidance and support, while maintaining overall accountability for contract and relationship management outcomes;
• Providing contract drafting guidance including developing KPIs and governance structures; and
• Mentoring junior staff on NZ contract management best practice.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional relationship management and excellent interpersonal skills, alongside the following qualities:

• Ability to engage and manage senior stakeholders and clearly understand and articulate business needs and priorities;
• Ability to accurately identify, research, and describe/document commercial improvement opportunities;
• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen, providing commercial guidance, and participating in the development of NZDF organisational and commercial strategies within their portfolio;
• Have an eye-for-detail and maintain accurate and logical records of their actions;
• Refined skills in spoken and written English, a good understanding of contract law, and writing formal correspondence;
• Be highly proficient in Microsoft Office; and
• An understanding of aviation or Defence would be an advantage.

Mō mātou | About Us

The Supplier Relationship Unit (SRU) is responsible for strategically planning and managing collaborative relationships with key industry suppliers to deliver long-term, sustainable value for money outcomes for the Royal New Zealand Air Force. SRU also provides commercial support, advice and representation of RNZAF’s interest in pan NZDF contracts.

Every hour of every day, 365 days of the year, the New Zealand Defence Force is contributing to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa / New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, it is our goal to maintain well trained, equipped and disciplined armed forces that can react to crisis at short notice. 

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you

NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.

In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:

• Great benefits for you and your family.
• Full time ongoing work.
• Fully funded life cover up to $300,000.
• 5 weeks annual leave per year.
• Flexible working environment and positive, diverse culture.
• Opportunities for career and professional development.
• Variety, challenge, and a chance to influence.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

To view the Position Description and to Apply, please use the links on this page.

Please note:

• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
• If you are an existing NZDF employee (excluding contractors) you must apply through our Internal Vacancies site, via the HR Toolkit.

Applications close on Tuesday 7 February 2023.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for. The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZ Defence Force are as follows:

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided in this country continuously for at least the last five years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.