Senior Contracts Advisor

About the Role

Greater Wellington's Metlink team, responsible for public transport services in the region, is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Contracts Advisor. This permanent, onsite position in central Wellington reports to the Manager of Contracts and Partnerships. This role focuses on providing expert contract management and advice for strategic relationships within Metlink’s diverse portfolio of public transport contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract management efforts by identifying and mitigating commercial and contractual risks for Metlink.
• Maintain comprehensive and accessible records of all Public Transport contract documents.
• Create and apply contract management processes and tools in line with Greater Wellington policies.
• Provide stakeholders with clear insights into contract obligations, performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on Metlink contracts, particularly for Bus, Rail, and Ferry Operator agreements.
• Act as an escalation point for contractual interpretation and complex issues.
• Offer detailed advice on contract provisions to support informed decisions by key stakeholders.
• Ensure timely communication of contractual obligations such as bond submissions, plans, and reports with operators.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure contractual commitments are fulfilled.
• Support project teams by contributing commercial and contractual expertise throughout project phases.
• Prepare and review contract variations, supply agreements, subcontracts, MOUs, vendor agreements, and renewals in partnership with legal and procurement teams.

Requirements

• Proven commercial insight and experience providing contractual guidance in complex, high-value commercial settings.
• A passion for blending business, commercial, and legal understanding to deliver practical contract solutions within a local government environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling collaborative relationships and pragmatic outcomes.
• Detail-oriented problem-solving abilities focused on driving positive results both independently and in teams.
• Comfort managing complexity and ambiguity, with capability to structure and clarify situations when necessary.
• Expertise in examining contract documents closely and integrating commercial, risk, political, and customer considerations.
• Commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and openness to learning about Māori perspectives and values.
• While not requiring a law degree, a solid comprehension of commercial law attained through legal, finance, or business experience is essential.

Perks and Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements to complement personal and family life.
• Access to professional development opportunities including learning programs, secondments, and career growth.
• Health and wellbeing support via medical and trauma insurance, employee assistance programs, generous leave entitlements including Tangihanga leave.
• Inclusive culture fostering diversity, personal and cultural expression in the workplace.
• Participation in social clubs, staff networks, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
• Modern, centrally located office environment in Wellington.

Additional Information

Greater Wellington embraces diversity and inclusion, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds and actively adjusting recruitment processes for accessibility needs. Proof of eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory. The salary range for this role is $98,508 to $147,762 NZD annually, with starting pay depending on experience. The organization is an accredited Living Wage Employer. Application deadline is 5:00 PM, Thursday 23 July 2026.