Commercial Manager

About Ferry Holdings Limited

Ferry Holdings Limited (FHL), established in 2025, is spearheading one of New Zealand's largest transport infrastructure initiatives. The focus is on replacing the Cook Strait ferries and developing the required port facilities to guarantee dependable inter-island transport for many years ahead. FHL operates as a Crown-owned Schedule 4A entity, adhering strictly to government regulations. The company's mission is to ensure that rail-enabled ferries and associated infrastructure meet safety, affordability, environmental, and reliability standards while delivering taxpayer value. Collaborations include partnerships with ports, KiwiRail, shipyards, and government agencies, with plans to commission new ferries and infrastructure by 2029.

Role Overview

As the Commercial Manager, you will be pivotal in finalizing, implementing, and managing the commercial agreements tied to FHL's key projects. You will engage closely with KiwiRail, port operators, advisors, and government representatives to guarantee that these agreements are comprehensive, understood across the organisation, and fulfilling mandated outcomes. This senior position demands a proactive approach, excellent stakeholder management, and the capacity to offer clear, practical commercial guidance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Take the lead in negotiating and executing significant commercial contracts with Delivery Partners.
• Promote organisation-wide clarity on roles, responsibilities, and obligations arising from commercial agreements.
• Keep track of commercial performance, foresee potential risks, and facilitate their timely resolution.
• Oversee relationships with external legal advisors to secure cost-effective and quality legal counsel.
• Provide commercial expertise to governance bodies, including drafting reports for the Board and managing risk.
• Assist with procurement strategies, contract preparation, and ongoing contract management within FHL.
• Offer commercial leadership and encourage a culture of collaboration and strong commercial practices throughout the programme.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive commercial experience within large infrastructure, transport, or capital delivery sectors.
• Proven ability to negotiate and oversee complex commercial contracts effectively.
• Experience dealing with multi-party agreements and managing external legal service providers.
• Strong legal and commercial knowledge, with a talent for simplifying complex information into actionable advice.
• Comfortable working amid ambiguity and rapid changes in a dynamic programme situation.
• Demonstrated leadership skills within technical or specialised commercial units.
• Possession of tertiary qualifications in Law, Commerce, Business, or related fields; certifications such as CIPS are advantageous.

Why Join Ferry Holdings

This is a rare opportunity to influence a nationally vital infrastructure project with high visibility. You will operate within a compact, skilled team where your contributions are impactful, helping to establish the commercial foundations essential for New Zealand’s enduring connectivity and economic stability.

Application Details

Applications are due by 25th August 2026. Early submissions are encouraged as the selection process will begin promptly, and the vacancy may close ahead of the final date if a suitable candidate pool is established.