Site Contract Manager - NZDF Waiouru
- Lead a new Defence contract from the ground up
- Autonomy to shape site culture, systems and performance
- Live and work in an outstanding lifestyle location
For over 30 years, PAE has partnered with the New Zealand Defence Force, delivering facilities and asset management services that keep critical environments working and moving. It’s a relationship we’re incredibly proud of as it reflects the trust placed in us to deliver, every single day.
As a proudly iwi-owned organisation, we recognise our role as kaitiaki guardians of the environments and communities we support and we are committed to building strong, respectful partnerships grounded in manaakitanga.
As part of the latest NZDF contract award, we’ve been entrusted with the delivery of services at Waiouru Military Camp, and we’re now looking for a Contract Manager to help us establish and lead this site from day one.
This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a brand-new contract in a remote and operationally critical environment. Waiouru is a large, complex Defence site with a strong sense of purpose and this role will be central to ensuring services are delivered safely, reliably and consistently from the outset.
About the role:
As Contract Manager, you’ll have full accountability for site performance across people, operations, safety, and commercial outcomes.
You’ll lead the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance services, ensuring contract obligations are consistently met, while continuing to build a strong, performance-focused culture.
This is not a “business as usual” role, it's an opportunity to take ownership of brand-new contract establishing strong foundations, building a high-performing team, and shape what great delivery looks like in a complex, operational environment.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Leading overall site performance across safety, operations, people, commercial outcomes and client relationships
- Delivering planned and reactive maintenance in line with contract requirements
- Establishing site-based systems, processes and ways of working from the ground up
- Building strong relationships with NZDF stakeholders
- Managing subcontractors to ensure safe, high-quality and compliant delivery
- Driving KPI performance, financial discipline and continuous improvement
- Leading and developing a capable, engaged team
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience leading large, multi-disciplinary operational teams in complex environments
- Strong understanding of contract delivery and performance against KPIs
- Commercial acumen, including managing budgets and financial outcomes
- Confidence operating in remote or logistically challenging environments
- A practical, hands-on leadership style with a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement
- Experience in facilities management, infrastructure, Defence, or similar contracting environments will be highly regarded
- The ability to obtain and maintain Defence security clearance
Why this role:
- A rare opportunity to lead a new contract from the ground up in a unique Defence environment
- Real scope and autonomy you’ll be trusted to run the site
- The chance to make a visible impact where reliability and performance truly matter
- Housing may be available to support relocation to Waiouru, an outstanding lifestyle location
- A business that backs its leaders to make decisions and get on with the job
To learn more about this opportunity or to request a position description, please contact Wendy Oliver at wendy.oliver@pae.co.nz.
Please note: all applications must be submitted via SEEK.
Applications close Friday 22 May 2026 at 5pm.
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