Contract and Licensing Specialist | Wellington | Permanent

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Take on the Contract and Licensing Specialist role in Wellington with MSD’s Improvement Systems & Technology, a permanent onsite position focused on managing software contracts, renewals and licensing across a large, complex organisation. You’ll drive visibility through renewal pipelines, collaborate with vendors and internal teams to optimise usage, ensure compliance and advise on licensing models including Cloud and SaaS. The role requires strong contract knowledge, familiarity with licensing portals and asset management tools (Snow software a bonus), solid governance and reporting capabilities, and proven vendor relationship management. To apply, tailor your cover letter to the key responsibilities, cite concrete renewal improvements and pipeline examples, review the position description, and note accessibility needs if any.

• Manage software contracts, renewals and licensing across a large, complex organisation 
• Build visibility and control through proactive renewal pipelines, reporting and monitoring 
• Work closely with vendors and internal teams to maximise value and ensure compliance

Play a key role in ensuring IST gets the best value from its software investment. 

About our team | Mō te tīma:

Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families. 

Improvement Systems & Technology (IST) provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.

We’re driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. IST is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.

About the role | Mō te tūnga:

As a Contract and Licensing Specialist, you’ll be responsible for managing software contract and licensing information, supporting timely renewals, negotiating with suppliers, optimising usage and improving systems and processes that provide transparency, compliance and confidence across the organisation.

You’ll manage the collection, analysis and reporting of software information through portals and software asset management tools, with a strong focus on renewals, compliance and optimisation. 

You’ll provide advice on licensing models, support audit activity, and work proactively with stakeholders to manage risk and end of life planning.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage the end to end software renewals process, including obtaining and interpreting quotes and working with technology vendors 
• Work closely with technical teams, finance, legal, procurement and commercial teams to ensure contracts are renewed accurately and on time 
• Cloud licensing and contracts (Cloud, SaaS and enterprise agreements eg Microsoft, Azure, AWS, Salesforce etc)
• License optimisation
• Develop and actively manage a forward pipeline of software contract renewal dates with relevant stakeholders 
  license compliance and risk management related to software usage
• Provide visibility of software versions reaching end of life and support migration or upgrade planning as required

We’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.
 

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you. 

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

• Solid understanding of technology contract terms and conditions, purchasing processes and financial systems 
• Experience in software licensing models, including Cloud and SaaS constructs 
• Experience with systems or configuration management and improving tools or processes (experience with Snow Software Asset Management would be a bonus) 
• Experience with licensing portal management
• Proficient knowledge of IT governance frameworks, cloud service offerings and software asset management practices
• Familiarity with Government purchasing rules and tender policies 
• Strong analytical skills with experience gathering data and producing accurate, high quality reporting 
• Experience managing financial and commercial information and producing scheduled reports 
• Proven relationship management skills with experience liaising with vendors and internal stakeholders
• A genuine passion for delivering high quality, customer focussed outcomes

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

A copy of the position description can be found here. Contracts and Licensing Specialist position description.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $87,614.00 - $106,159.00

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 15 March 2026.

About us | Mō mātou:

The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

 
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. 
 

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application.  Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.  
 

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. 
 

All applications must be made online.  If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]
 

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.  This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
 

Joining us | Ko te hono mai:

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.  

We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.