Procurement Specialist

nztagovtnz; Wellington; On-site; NZD 93,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Life Insurance

Income Protection

Critical Illness Insurance

Job summary

Waka Kotahi is seeking a Procurement Specialist to support the delivery of New Zealand's infrastructure programme. You will lead procurement planning, sourcing and commercial advice across a portfolio of major projects.

You will develop procurement strategies, run end-to-end sourcing for lower-complexity procurements, perform market analysis, engage suppliers and help negotiate contracts that enable strong delivery outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement within a large, complex organisation.
• Knowledge of infrastructure procurement models, market engagement approaches and direct negotiations.
• Experience supporting negotiations across infrastructure projects or programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen considering cost, risk and delivery timelines.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Willingness to understand Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in public sector procurement.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes for lower-complexity procurements.
• Develop fit-for-purpose procurement strategies and plans.
• Undertake market analysis and supplier engagement activities.
• Establish contracts that support strong delivery outcomes.
• Provide high-quality procurement planning and commercial advice.
• Support delivery across a diverse infrastructure portfolio.

Skills

Procurement planning

Sourcing management

Market analysis

Supplier engagement

Commercial advisory

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Customer & delivery focus

Public sector procurement knowledge

Education

Relevant formal qualification

CIPS qualification or progress toward it

Job description

Help shape the future of New Zealand's infrastructure delivery programme
Apply your procurement expertise to deliver value-for-money outcomes across major transport investments
Join a commercially focused team driving better procurement, supplier and delivery outcomes
Permanent opportunity based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As a Procurement Specialist, you'll play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of NZTA's infrastructure programme through high-quality procurement planning, sourcing and commercial advice.

Working within the Commercial Delivery team, you'll contribute to procurement activities across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects and programmes. You'll support the development and implementation of fit-for-purpose procurement strategies, lead end-to-end sourcing processes for lower-complexity procurements, undertake market analysis and supplier engagement activities, and help establish contracts that support strong delivery outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional looking to further develop their expertise within a complex infrastructure environment while contributing to projects that make a meaningful difference for New Zealand communities.

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $93,000 - $113,000 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for

• Experience working in procurement, ideally within a large and complex organisation.
• Knowledge of infrastructure procurement and delivery models, including market engagement approaches, alliances, ECI and direct negotiations.
• Experience supporting negotiations and procurement activities across infrastructure projects or programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to consider cost, risk, programme delivery and market factors when making recommendations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across a broad range of internal and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the confidence to provide advice and influence outcomes.
• A customer and delivery-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A relevant formal qualification and/or equivalent experience. CIPS qualification or progress toward certification is desirable.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to develop an understanding of, Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their application within the public sector.

Mō mātou | About Us

The Commercial Delivery team serves as the commercial centre of excellence for Infrastructure Development & Delivery. The team uses strategic procurement, supplier intelligence and commercial expertise to help deliver better outcomes across NZTA's capital programme while providing value for money and strengthening market confidence.

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees, you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual, the team and the organisation. And whether it's on-the-job experience, courses, coaching opportunities or secondments, you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

2 October 2026

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.