Practice Lead Sourcing and Supplier Management

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a Practice Lead - Sourcing & Supplier Management to shape and mature the Ministry's sourcing practice. You will act as the centre of excellence, driving frameworks, standards and guidance across the organisation.

The role focuses on strategic capability, policy development and stakeholder collaboration, rather than delivering individual sourcing projects. Salary reflects experience and includes KiwiSaver.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management or commercial leadership.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing methodologies, market engagement approaches and supplier relationship management practices.
• Experience developing frameworks, policies, guidance, capability programmes or operating models.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into meaningful insights.
• Ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of the Ministry's sourcing and supplier management frameworks, standards, tools and guidance.
• Act as the Ministry's centre of expertise for sourcing and supplier management.
• Collaborate with commercial practitioners and leaders to lift capability and improve commercial performance.
• Provide expert advice on sourcing strategy, supplier engagement approaches and supplier relationship management.
• Champion innovation and support economic benefit outcomes across the organisation.
• Ensure sourcing activities are consistent, effective, and aligned with Ministry priorities.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement

Supplier management

Commercial leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Public Service standards

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

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

Our 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

This is a permanent full-time role based in Wellington.

Help shape the way sourcing and supplier management is delivered across one of New Zealand's largest public sector organisations.

As Practice Lead - Sourcing & Supplier Management, you will act as the Ministry's centre of expertise for sourcing and supplier management, leading the development and continuous improvement of the Ministry's sourcing and supplier management frameworks, standards, tools and guidance.

You will work closely with commercial practitioners and leaders across the organisation to lift capability, embed best practice, and strengthen commercial performance across the Ministry.

This is a strategic role focused on strengthening organisational maturity rather than delivering sourcing projects yourself.

You will provide expert advice on sourcing strategy, supplier engagement approaches and supplier relationship management, while using data and insights to identify opportunities for improvement.

You will champion innovation, support economic benefit outcomes, and help ensure sourcing and supplier management activities are consistent, effective, and aligned with Ministry priorities.

Salary range: $120,171 - $145,560 per annum + KiwiSaver.

The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

• Significant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management or commercial leadership.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing methodologies, market engagement approaches and supplier relationship management practices.
• Experience developing frameworks, policies, guidance, capability programmes or operating models.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into meaningful insights and improvement opportunities.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You’ll join a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement and practical outcomes. This is an opportunity to influence commercial practice at scale and contribute to better outcomes for learners, educators and communities across Aotearoa.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate has two key roles which operate together: keeping the Ministry safe by delivering essential Ministry-wide statutory and corporate functions and delivering improvements to how the Ministry works, so we can achieve our priorities and support the Ministry to deliver the current Government's priorities.

We help the Ministry obtain maximum value from its commercial relationships and investments. We provide strategic sourcing, commercial advice, supplier management, contract management and commercial governance support across a diverse portfolio of goods and services.

The team works alongside business groups across the Ministry to improve commercial capability, strengthen supplier relationships and achieve better outcomes through effective commercial practice.

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

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Chris Richards at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 11 November 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.