Senior Advisor – Commercial Programmes & Performance
12‑month Fixed Term | Wellington (hybrid) | $100k–$128k
The Opportunity
I’m supporting a central government organisation to appoint a Senior Advisor into a commercial programmes and performance function on a 12‑month fixed‑term basis.
This role is well suited to someone operating confidently at Senior level and preparing for a step toward Principal, or a strong Senior who enjoys sitting close to delivery, implementation, and outcomes rather than purely advisory work.
You’ll join a busy, enterprise‑focussed commercial team with several high‑profile initiatives underway — plenty of scope to make a genuine impact and be seen.
What You’ll Be Doing
This is not a “contract award and move on” role. The focus here is on making commercial programmes actually work in practice.
You will be:
- Supporting and coordinating ministry‑wide commercial programmes, from planning through to implementation
- Designing practical, user‑centred processes and guidance that land well with end users
- Translating strategic intent into workable frameworks, resources and implementation plans
- Working closely with stakeholders to embed change, not just design it
- Tracking programme performance through reporting, forecasting, trend analysis and insights
- Contributing to high‑quality written outputs including briefings, reports and advice for senior leaders
- Identifying risks, resolving issues, and keeping complex programmes moving forward at pace
What We’re Looking For
You’re someone who is:
- Pragmatic, delivery‑focused and comfortable operating with a level of ambiguity
- Trusted by stakeholders and able to build relationships quickly
- Comfortable working independently while still being a strong team contributor
- Confident engaging with senior leaders and explaining complex issues clearly
- Curious, insightful, and able to get to the heart of problems — including what isn’t being said
- Calm under pressure and capable of managing competing priorities to tight timeframes
Skills & Experience
This role is open to candidates from a range of backgrounds. Particularly strong alignment would include experience in:
- Programme or project management within complex organisations
- Implementing change initiatives at an enterprise or portfolio level
- Commercial, contract, supplier, or procurement‑adjacent roles
- Highly visible or politically sensitive work programmes
Key capabilities include:
- Strong planning skills that balance detail with the bigger picture
- Proven ability to manage risk and adapt when things don’t go to plan
- High‑quality written communication for senior and executive audiences
- Confidence to take ownership, set priorities and drive work forward
- A customer‑focused mindset and commitment to value‑add outcomes
- A collaborative working style with the ability to coach and support others
Experience in the public sector is beneficial but not essential.
Why Consider It?
- A meaty 12‑month assignment with real scope to influence outcomes
- Exposure to enterprise‑wide commercial programmes
- A strong platform role for those looking to step toward Principal‑level work
- Flexible working conditions and a supportive, values‑led environment
How to Apply
If this role aligns with where you’re heading next, or you’d like to pressure‑test whether it’s the right step....I’m happy to have a confidential conversation.
📩 Apply via the link or contact me directly for more information.
