Practice Lead Sourcing and Supplier Management - Wellington

Kumara Vine; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Kumara Vine is seeking a Practice Lead for Sourcing & Supplier Management in Wellington. This permanent, full-time role leads the development and continuous improvement of sourcing frameworks, collaborating with commercial leaders to raise performance across the organisation.

You will champion innovation, translate complex concepts into practical guidance, and influence senior stakeholders to deliver better outcomes for learners and communities.

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 and improvement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of the Ministry's sourcing and supplier management frameworks, standards, tools and guidance.
• Provide expert advice on sourcing strategy, supplier engagement approaches and supplier relationship management.
• Use data and insights to identify opportunities for improvement and lift capability.
• Champion innovation and support economic benefit outcomes across the organisation.
• Influence senior stakeholders and translate complex concepts into practical guidance.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement governance

Supplier relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytics

Framework development

Commercial leadership

Job description

Practice Lead Sourcing and Supplier Management - Wellington

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent 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.

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.

We're looking for an experienced commercial or procurement professional who is passionate about improving how organisations approach sourcing and supplier management.

You will be comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, translating complex concepts into practical guidance, and driving continuous improvement across a diverse organisation.

You will also offer:

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.

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.

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.

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.