Commercial Manager

Commercial Manager

This is a nationally focused role, and we're open to candidates being based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

As Commercial Manager, you will provide leadership and oversight of commercial strategy and delivery for major hospital and health infrastructure projects. Working within the Infrastructure and Investment Group's Contracts and Commercial team, you will play a key role in driving commercial outcomes that create sustainable value for Health New Zealand and its delivery partners.

You will lead the development and implementation of consistent, best practice contracting approaches, support procurement and supplier agreement negotiations, and provide commercial guidance across complex infrastructure projects. While the role has a national focus, you will also provide commercial support to regional infrastructure programmes and project teams as required, helping to ensure consistency in commercial practice, governance and project delivery across Health New Zealand's infrastructure portfolio.

A critical part of the role will be balancing risk, value and innovation to support safe, efficient and high quality project delivery. You will bring a future minded, solutions-focused approach, using your commercial, procurement and financial expertise to guide delivery teams, strengthen governance and support continuous improvement across the portfolio.

About the Team

The IIG team are focused on delivering high impact infrastructure investments that support the transformation of New Zealand's health system.

Giving support, oversight and assurance across projects and programmes, the team understand that safe, fit for purpose health facilities, sites and equipment are essential for a well-functioning health system that improves the health of all New Zealanders.

About You

You are an experienced commercial leader who brings deep expertise across procurement, contracting, financial management and major infrastructure delivery. Confident operating in complex project environments, you are comfortable providing strategic advice, negotiating commercial arrangements and supporting teams to make sound, evidence based decisions.

You bring a strong understanding of construction contracts, commercial governance and client-side infrastructure programmes. You are skilled at interpreting complex information, managing risk and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. With a practical and solutions-focused approach, you can provide clear commercial direction while supporting collaboration, transparency and delivery excellence.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to infrastructure projects that support better health outcomes for New Zealanders now and into the future. You bring strong judgement, integrity and a commitment to working constructively with others to deliver safe, sustainable and high-quality outcomes.

What You'll Bring

• A relevant post-graduate qualification in Business Administration, Finance, Law or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of NZS 3910, NZS 3916 and other relevant construction contract forms.
• Significant experience in senior commercial roles, ideally within client-side infrastructure programmes.
• Strong knowledge of financial modelling, contract law and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success delivering commercial outcomes on major capital projects.
• Exceptional negotiation, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience developing and implementing procurement strategies and managing contract performance.
• Ability to interpret complex project data and provide clear, actionable insight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and implementing best-practice systems, frameworks, tools and templates.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.

How to Apply

To apply please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 7th September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shannon Elder at shannon.elder@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.