Lead Advisor ICT

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 141,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Ministry of Education is seeking a Lead Advisor - ICT to join the Digital Procurement team. You will drive end-to-end procurement, contract management, and supplier relationships while shaping policy and providing strategic guidance to senior leaders.

The role focuses on complex, high-value procurements, market insights, and mentorship to grow procurement capability across NZ’s education sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex organisation and managing significant procurement projects end-to-end.
• Strong knowledge of government procurement rules and open tender processes.
• Ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders and lead procurement strategy.

Responsibilities

• Promote procurement best practice and advise on policy, tendering and end-to-end lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain procurement policy, processes, and systems.
• Lead high-value procurements including needs analysis, planning, drafting documentation, negotiations and contract awards.
• Maintain understanding of supply markets through market research and industry engagement.
• Mentor team members to lift procurement capability across the organisation.

Skills

Procurement strategy

End-to-end procurement

Contract management

Supplier relationship management

Policy compliance

Market research

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent 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

The Lead Advisor - ICT will be part of the Ministry's Procurement team and will report and provide support to the Digital Procurement team. The Lead Advisor - ICT will bring considerable sourcing expertise, extensive experience in delivering ‘end to end' procurement activities and a strong understanding of contract management. The Lead Advisor - ICT will ensure that the Ministry has an informed approach to strategic sourcing, achieves the best possible commercial outcomes, promotes procurement leadership and supplier relationship management. They will also identify and implement areas of improvement via the procurement process relating to various complex and large-scale activities. They will also actively mentor and coach other members of the team.The Lead Advisor - ICT must be able to build strong working relationships with a selection of key stakeholders and will have the ability to prioritise and multi-task in an environment where workloads can escape quickly.

In this role, you will:

• Promote good procurement practice in line with the Ministry's procurement policy providing advice on policy and procedures covering the selection of suppliers, tendering and the end-to-end procurement life cycle.
• Contribute to the development, utilisation and maintenance of effective procurement policy, processes, practices and systems.
• Investigate the technical and commercial options for fulfilling the requirements, including possible sources of supply, and agree the preferred options and potential suppliers with the business.
• Engage in the business planning cycle to assess, determine, specify and initiate procurement processes to meet changing or evolving needs and priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and stakeholders on procurement strategy and policy.
• Contribute to providing assurance of procurement compliance and quality by reviewing/endorsing procurement documentation (in line with the Ministry's procurement policy) and other auditing.
• Lead/conduct high value/complex procurements including undertaking needs analysis and procurement planning, drafting procurement documentation, managing the procurement process, facilitating evaluation, contract negotiations, risk management and awarding.
• Maintain a good understanding of relevant supply markets through market research and appropriate engagement with suppliers and industry associations.
• Play a key role in lifting procurement capability across the organisation and influencing sector-wide procurement strategies.
• Mentor other Procurement team members to contribute to developing their procurement capability.

Salary range: $141,146 - $171,196 per annum + Kiwsaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

You will also offer:

• Experience in a complex organisation and managing significant procurement projects end-to-end.
• Experience building effective relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes with stakeholders.
• Strong influencing and negotiations skills with both internal and external stakeholders
• In-depth knowledge of and substantial experience with government procurement and with leading open tender processes
• Understanding of and experience with applying the Government Procurement Rules.
• Strong knowledge and experience of the practical application of current procurement good practice.
• A track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes.
• A proven ability to use data and insights to identify current and future market trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.
• Excellent interpersonal and both written and oral communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and analytical capability.
• High level of integrity.
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Digital procurement team is a well trusted, diverse, and dedicated group of individuals. The Ministry offers a highly flexible, family friendly working environment with great opportunities for building capability and career progression.

The Ministry procurement team is recognised as a leader in government procurement, working closely with MBIE and other core agencies to develop the procurement function in NZ.

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, including Māori, Pacific and those with disabilities, who will enrich our understanding of the education system.

As a government agency, the Ministry is committed to keeping to the Treaty of Waitangi's guiding principles in our work for and with Māori students, their whānau, hapū and iwi

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

For further information, please contact Helen Saville - Team Manager Procurement Services, Digital at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight Friday 30 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.