Procurement Lead

Wairaka Unitec Institute of Technology; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Wairaka Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland is seeking an experienced Procurement Lead to drive strategic procurement outcomes across a large, transformation-focused organisation.

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will lead end-to-end sourcing for high-value requirements, develop value-for-money strategies, advise senior leaders, manage key contracts, and foster strong supplier partnerships while upholding governance.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years' experience in procurement, sourcing or commercial management roles.
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, sourcing methodologies, supplier management and contract management practices.
• Experience with New Zealand Government procurement frameworks, processes and policies.
• Proven capability leading complex procurement projects and commercial negotiations.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in public sector procurement environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement activities for complex, high-value requirements.
• Develop procurement strategies delivering value for money and robust commercial outcomes.
• Advise senior leaders on sourcing approaches, market engagement, and contract negotiations.
• Drive procurement best practice and support organisational capability.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and key contracts across categories.
• Lead negotiations and contract discussions within delegated authority.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage risk, renewals and remediation.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Negotiation skills

Contract management

Education

University degree or equivalent

Job description

Learning with purpose, creating our futures.

At MIT | Unitec, we're transforming lives through education. As one of New Zealand's largest providers of vocational and applied learning, we're committed to delivering excellent educational outcomes that support learners, employers and communities to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities Aotearoa needs now and into the future.

As MIT and Unitec continue to strengthen and integrate our operations, we're looking for an experienced Procurement Lead to play a key role in driving strategic procurement outcomes across our organisation.

About the Role

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, this is a senior procurement position responsible for leading complex sourcing activities, providing expert commercial advice, and delivering value-driven procurement outcomes across a diverse portfolio of spend categories.

This role is ideal for a procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and enjoys partnering with stakeholders to deliver commercially sound, compliant and sustainable procurement solutions. Experience working within organisational transformation, integration, or complex operating environments will be highly regarded.

What You'll Be Doing

Strategic Procurement & Commercial Leadership

• Lead end-to-end procurement activities for complex, high-value and strategically important requirements.
• Develop procurement strategies that deliver value for money, transparency, competition and robust commercial outcomes.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on sourcing approaches, market engagement, evaluation methodologies, negotiations, contracting and procurement risk.
• Drive procurement best practice and support organisational procurement capability.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and key contracts across assigned categories.
• Lead commercial negotiations and contract discussions within delegated authority.
• Monitor supplier performance, manage risk, oversee renewals and support remediation activities where required.
• Foster constructive supplier partnerships while maintaining strong probity and governance standards.

Planning, Improvement & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with business leaders to identify procurement opportunities, savings initiatives and value-creation strategies.
• Provide reporting and insights on procurement performance, benefits realisation and risk management.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement systems, processes and customer experience.
• Coach and mentor colleagues and stakeholders in effective procurement practice.

About You

You'll be a confident and credible procurement professional who can influence senior stakeholders, navigate complexity and deliver practical commercial outcomes.

To be successful you'll bring:

• At least 10 years' experience in procurement, sourcing or commercial management roles.
• A University degree or equivalent professional qualification from a regulatory body relating to procurement, supply chain, commerce, business or a similar discipline.
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, sourcing methodologies, supplier management and contract management practices.
• Experience working with New Zealand Government procurement frameworks, processes and policies.
• Proven capability leading complex procurement projects and commercial negotiations.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical, commercial and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ideally, you'll also have:

• Experience in public sector, such as tertiary education, or health procurement environments.
• Experience coaching, mentoring or developing procurement capability within teams.

Our Commitment to Te Tiriti and Equity

At MIT | Unitec, we acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to creating a culturally responsive and inclusive environment where all learners and kaimahi can thrive.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to influence procurement outcomes across a large, complex organisation that makes a genuine difference to the lives of learners and communities throughout Aotearoa.

You’ll join a collaborative team environment where your expertise will help shape procurement excellence while supporting MIT | Unitec's strategic priorities and future success.

Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.