Principal Procurement Specialist

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

Job summary

Ministry of Education in Wellington seeks a Principal Procurement Specialist to lead high-value, complex procurement initiatives across corporate, digital and school buying portfolios. You will guide end-to-end activity from planning to award and mentor a team of procurement specialists to strengthen capability across the organisation.

You will bring deep procurement expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional stakeholder management to influence decisions at all levels and deliver

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex, high-value procurement and tender processes.
• Strong knowledge of Government Procurement Rules and public sector procurement best practice.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence across diverse groups.
• Commercial acumen and strong negotiation skills that deliver value while managing risk.
• Ability to analyse information, identify opportunities and provide practical, evidence-based advice.
• Experience working within large or complex organisations where priorities can shift quickly.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a passion for coaching, mentoring and developing others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Strategic thinking combined with strong execution skills, enabling you to move confidently from planning through to delivery.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and finding smarter ways of working.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
• CIPS membership (or progress towards it) and experience navigating public sector or politically aware environments will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-value, complex procurement initiatives across corporate, digital and school buying portfolios.
• Guide end-to-end procurement activity from planning and market engagement through to contract negotiation and award.
• Mentor procurement specialists and build a culture of collaboration, quality and excellence.
• Develop procurement strategies and provide expert advice to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Coaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Public sector procurement

Continuous improvement

Integrity & governance

CIPS membership (desirable)

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

This is a full-time permanent position that is preferable to be based in Wellington due to the nature of the work and proximity to our stakeholders. We will consider applications from outside the region for the right candidate. This is a strategic procurement role with real influence across one of New Zealand's largest and most complex public sector environments. As Principal Procurement Specialist, you'll lead high-value and complex procurement initiatives across corporate, digital and school buying portfolios, helping ensure the Ministry secures outstanding outcomes that support education across Aotearoa. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you'll provide expert advice, shape procurement strategies, and guide end-to-end procurement activity from planning and market engagement through to contract negotiation and award. You'll be a trusted advisor, bringing commercial expertise, sound judgement, and a continuous improvement mindset to strengthen procurement capability and practice across the organisation. Just as importantly, you'll play a leadership role within the team, mentoring procurement specialists, sharing specialist knowledge, and helping build a culture of collaboration, quality and excellence.

Salary range: $120,171 - $145,560 per annum + 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 Principal Procurement Specialist

About you | Mōhou ake

You're an experienced procurement professional who thrives on tackling complex challenges, building trusted relationships, and delivering commercially sound outcomes. You combine deep procurement expertise with strong strategic thinking and the confidence to influence decisions at all levels.

You’ll offer:

• Proven experience leading complex, high-value procurement and tender processes.
• Strong knowledge of Government Procurement Rules and public sector procurement best practice.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence across diverse groups.
• Commercial acumen and strong negotiation skills that deliver value while managing risk.
• The ability to analyse information, identify opportunities and provide practical, evidence-based advice.
• Experience working within large or complex organisations where priorities can shift quickly.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a passion for coaching, mentoring and developing others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Strategic thinking combined with strong execution skills, enabling you to move confidently from planning through to delivery.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and finding smarter ways of working.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
• CIPS membership (or progress towards it) and experience navigating public sector or politically aware environments will be highly regarded.

Join a collaborative and values-driven environment that invests in people and leadership development. You'll have the opportunity to lead a highly capable team delivering meaningful procurement outcomes and influence strategic decisions across a large and complex organisation. In so doing, you'll shape procurement practices that support better outcomes for learners across Aotearoa.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Rangatōpū 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.

The Procurement division holds the strategic lead on all procurement matters across the Ministry. This includes leading the procurement strategy and monitoring all procurement activities to align with broader best-practice government procurement direction and guidance.

We are responsible for the full lifecycle of procurement from market engagement and market awareness, supporting procurement processes, administering contractual agreements, and maintaining commercial, contractual and strategic relationships with suppliers.

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 Di Matthews, Team Manager Procurement Services at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight Sunday 8 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.