Principal Contract Manager

• This position sits within the Infrastructure and Assets Group who from planning to maintenance, are dedicated to delivering resilient infrastructure and services that enrich lives today and ensure a thriving future for our community.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Bring your Civil Construction Contracts expertise across key infrastructure, including 3 waters, transport and vertical construction to a role where your knowledge truly makes a difference.

We’re looking for an experienced Principal Contracts Manager Engineer to support our Infrastructure and Assets teams in delivering high-quality projects that shape our community. You’ll play a key technical role in guiding construction and infrastructure initiatives and offering expert advice on procurement and contract management across a diverse portfolio of work.

In this influential position, you’ll be the go-to subject matter expert sharing your deep industry knowledge, mentoring staff, and ensuring best practices are embedded throughout the organisation. If you bring extensive experience in civil construction and infrastructure contracts, and enjoy collaborating to lift capability and outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

Some key responsibilities include: 

• Civil Construction and Infrastructure RFX preparation using NZS3910 standards. 
• In-depth NZS3910 Construction Contracts advice and guidance to staff.
• Project negotiation and tender evaluation skills.
• Best Practice Contracts Engineer guidance and training staff.
• Ensure full compliance with HCC policy, legislative, audit and statutory requirements. 
• Maintain robust contract management practices, to support the monitoring and tracking od contract service levels enabling commercial performance. 
• Resolve or escalate disputes arising in delivery of works promptly and in consultation with appropriate stakeholders. 
• Continuously review opportunities for delivery of procurement best practice, leverage of supplier arrangements and contracts across the Civil Construction and Infrastructure Industry to deliver business efficiencies and enhance value for money. 

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Proven experience in Civil Construction and / or Infrastructure procurement / or engineering contracts management
• Sourcing and contract management ideally in a large programme/project engineering environment.
• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in a Contracts Manager/Engineering role.
• CIPS membership and accreditation preferred.
• In depth working knowledge of NZS3910 Construction Contracts (or equivalent)
• Demonstrated experience in leading go to market / full RFX cycles activity with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects at once.
• A professional who can work both collaboratively or independently as the role or tasks require.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills to ensure the delivery of business outcomes.
• In depth knowledge and proven expertise in best practice commercial, engineering and procurement practices.
• Experience in developing relevant documentation such as procurement plans, evaluation plans, statements of requirement, procurement reports, MSQA guidelines and contracts engineer management plans.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to develop material, clearly communicate technical and standards information and train staff.
• Demonstrated management and organisational skills and capacity to deliver high quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $132k dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 23/09/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. 

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.