Contracts Manager

FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION | TE RATONGA PŪTEA

• Salary 6.75% Superannuation 5 weeks annual leave.
• Family friendly employer on-site childcare providers.
• Achieve work-life balance with our lifestyle-friendly work arrangements.
• Work in a stunning, historic campus location.

The role | Te mahi

This is a leadership position with the Supply Chain Team, reporting to the Head of Supply Chain as part of the Financial Services Division (FSD). As the Contracts Manager, you will be primarily responsible for leadership and stewardship of the University’s contract lifecycle, ensuring contracts are strategically designed, well governed, and effectively managed to deliver value for money, manage risk, and meet legislative and policy requirements.

The role acts as the University’s subject matter expert for contract management within the procurement and supply chain context, providing authoritative advice to contract owners and stakeholders on contract development, negotiation, performance management, and continuous improvement.

The role will champion consistent, high-quality contract management practices across the University, supported by robust reporting, risk management, and alignment with broader organisational objectives including sustainability and compliance.

This is a new role and you have the opportunity to use your extensive knowledge and experience to make a valuable contribution to move the University forward in its contract management policies, practices and processes.

Key task areas will include:

• Contract Management and Oversight.
• Contract Development and Compliance.
• Contributing to development of Procurement and Contract Strategy.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Risk Management
• Reporting and Contract Performance Management.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

Successful candidates will have:

• Significant experience working in a similar high performing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective networks and key relationships.
• Ability to draw advice and information from multiple channels and derive strategy.
• Proven ability in performing a range of tasks under competing demands and meeting the agreed end result within quality parameters and timeframes.

This management role represents a significant opportunity within our division in supporting the wider University of Otago Team. You will be a team player with sound leadership skills, demonstrated commercial acumen and a strong customer service ethic.

About our team | Mō te tīma

The University of Otago owns and operates a large and complex property portfolio spread over 4 Campuses (Dunedin, Invercargill, Christchurch, and Wellington) plus properties in Auckland and Queenstown. This portfolio enables and supports the University’s teaching and research, contributes to the formative “Otago Experience” and is major economic driver in the respective cities.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full time (37.5 hours) permanent position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this position is $96,587 to $105,532. Top of range $114,474.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

For more information or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Stephen Hall, Head of Supply Chain.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 260661 will close on Thursday, 30 April 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Stephen Hall

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Location: About Dunedin