Site Contract Manager - NZDF Ohakea

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 an 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 RNZAF Base Ohakea, and we’re now looking for a Contract Manager to lead this site into its next phase.

Ohakea is a high-profile operational environment supporting critical Air Force capability. This role offers the opportunity to lead a complex site where coordination, responsiveness and strong stakeholder relationships are essential.

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
  • Building and maintaining strong, trusted 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
  • Ensuring delivery keeps pace with the operational demands of a live Air Force base

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 fast-paced, high-demand 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 key leadership role within a high-profile Defence environment
  • The opportunity to shape and influence performance on a critical operational site
  • Real scope and autonomy you’ll be trusted to run the site
  • A business that backs its leaders to make decisions and get on with the job
  • An opportunity to live and work in a lifestyle location - relocation assistance may be available

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.

When applying for any Vacancies / Jobs please use: Internet Explorer 9 and above, Firefox, Chrome, Safari or Opera.
Please do not use Internet Explorer 8 or earlier versions.