About us

At WM New Zealand, we don’t just manage waste - we are shaping a more sustainable Aotearoa. As a leader in environmental services and circular solutions, we are committed to delivering meaningful environmental, social and economic outcomes across the communities we serve.

Central to this vision is our commitment to iwi and mana whenua as strategic partners. We recognise the critical role iwi play in shaping long-term environmental stewardship, infrastructure development, and commercial innovation. Through collaboration grounded in Te Tiriti principles, trust, and shared value, we are building enduring partnerships that create positive outcomes for generations to come.

This is not your standard commercial role. This is a high-impact, relationship-driven, commercially strategic position operating at the intersection of iwi partnerships, infrastructure, and local government environments.

As the Iwi Commercial Manager, you will work alongside the Head of Iwi Partnerships to drive a cohesive, future-focused commercial strategy that integrates iwi engagement with procurement, infrastructure delivery, and strategic growth opportunities.

You will play a pivotal role in:

• Shaping iwi partnership strategy across major commercial and infrastructure initiatives
• Identifying and unlocking high-value commercial opportunities
• Supporting bid and tender positioning within complex local government environments
• Bringing together cultural insight, commercial acumen, and strategic thinking to deliver tangible outcomes

This is an opportunity to influence at a national level-partnering with iwi, councils, and internal leaders to translate strategy into real-world impact.

We are searching for a strategic thinker, trusted advisor, and relationship builder who brings both depth of experience and authenticity to this space.

You will bring:

• Significant experience working within iwi organisations or Māori commercial entities, with strong understanding of governance, values, and commercial priorities
• Proven experience navigating local government environments, including procurement frameworks and council processes
• A strong background in infrastructure, regulated sectors, or complex stakeholder environments
• Demonstrated success contributing to procurement, tendering and bid strategy development
• The ability to operate effectively across multi-stakeholder environments, balancing commercial outcomes with relationship integrity
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to convert strategic relationships into meaningful outcomes
• High cultural competency, including a deep understanding of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti principles
• Exceptional communication skills, with confidence engaging at senior leadership and governance level

Bonus points if you have:

• Experience within environmental services, waste management, or the circular economy
• Exposure to major infrastructure or consenting programmes
• Familiarity with the Resource Management Act and regulatory frameworks
• Experience supporting partnership frameworks, governance reporting, or commercial tracking

Why You Should Choose Us

This is your opportunity to step into a role where purpose meets influence.

At WM New Zealand, you will:

• Work at the forefront of iwi partnership strategy in one of NZ’s most critical sectors
• Be part of a business committed to authentic, long-term partnerships-not transactional engagement
• Influence major projects, infrastructure decisions, and national-level outcomes
• Join a team that values cultural integrity, strategic thinking, and commercial excellence
• Play a direct role in advancing sustainability, circular economy initiatives, and community outcomes
• Company EV

If you are ready to lead with purpose, think strategically, and create lasting impact, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of something bigger.

How to apply

To apply for this role click "I'm interested".

Please note - we do not always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering applications as they are received so we encourage you to apply early. 

WM is an EEO employer and promotes drug and alcohol-free workplaces. 

You must be in New Zealand and hold a current work visa/residency or NZ citizenship.