Buyers Desk Manager

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 121,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Ministry of Education seeks an experienced, people-focused leader to manage the Buyers Desk and deliver high-quality procurement support across the organisation.

As Buyers Desk Manager, you will lead a team providing practical procurement advice, ensuring timely assistance and driving continuous improvement in processes and service delivery, while aligning with Ministry priorities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Significant procurement or purchasing experience, ideally within the public sector.
• Experience improving business processes, workflows and service delivery.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, analytical and reporting skills.
• A customer-focused, solution-oriented approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Buyers Desk team to deliver a high-quality procurement support service across the Ministry.
• Be the first point of contact for procurement advice and support for staff.
• Ensure timely assistance, simplify procurement processes and identify improvements in processes, systems and service delivery.
• Collaborate with groups across the Ministry to align procurement activities with priorities and public sector practice.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Customer service mindset

Continuous improvement mindset

Tools

Procurement systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand Help shape the future of EducationWe work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomesOur organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Make a difference through better procurement servicesWe're looking for an experienced and people-focused leader to manage the Buyers Desk team and help deliver a high-quality procurement support service across the Ministry. The Buyers Desk is the first point of contact for procurement support, helping our people access the goods and services they need to deliver great outcomes.As Buyers Desk Manager, you'll lead a team that provides practical procurement advice and support across the organisation. You'll ensure customers receive timely assistance, help simplify procurement processes, and identify opportunities to improve the way we work through better processes, systems and service delivery.You'll work closely with teams across the Ministry to understand their needs, deliver customer-focused solutions, and ensure procurement activities align with organisational priorities and good public sector practice. You'll also play a key role in supporting procurement planning, supplier management initiatives and continuous improvement across the function.This is an excellent opportunity for a leader who enjoys developing people, improving services and building strong relationships to achieve results.

Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

You're a collaborative and inclusive leader with strong procurement experience and a genuine commitment to customer service.You enjoy coaching and developing others, building trusted relationships and finding smarter ways of working. You're comfortable balancing operational priorities with strategic thinking and using data and insights to inform decision-making.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Significant procurement or purchasing experience, ideally within the public sector.
• Experience improving business processes, workflows and service delivery.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, analytical and reporting skills.
• A customer-focused, solution-oriented approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Why join us?

You'll join a supportive and collaborative team that values innovation, continuous learning and great service. We encourage fresh thinking, invest in professional development and create opportunities for people to grow their skills and careers.We offer a flexible working environment, a strong team culture, and the opportunity to contribute to work that makes a meaningful difference for learners, whānau and communities across Aotearoa.This is a chance to lead a visible and valued service, influence how procurement support is delivered across the organisation, and help build an engaged, high-performing team.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Procurement team sits within Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate and provides strategic procurement advice, purchasing support and supplier management services across the Ministry. We help ensure value for money, strong governance and great customer outcomes while supporting the Ministry to deliver its purpose.The Buyers Desk team provides first-level procurement support to colleagues across the organisation. We help people navigate procurement processes, access approved suppliers and contracts, and make effective use of purchasing systems and tools. Our focus is on delivering practical, responsive and customer-centred support that enables the Ministry to achieve its goals.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If you require further information, please contact Sarah Gray, Manager Service Operations at: [e-mail]

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 20 October 2026

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.