Procurement Specialist

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 86,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a Procurement Specialist to manage end-to-end procurement, tender activities, and contract administration in a high-volume portfolio. You will engage stakeholders, monitor supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement in a public sector context.

You will analyse procurement data to identify efficiencies, maintain accurate records, and contribute to procurement tools and policy guidance.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, contract administration, sourcing, or a related commercial environment.
• Confidence building productive relationships and working with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Understanding of public sector procurement practices and Government Procurement Rules, or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to translate data into insights and recommendations.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Advanced capability across Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and growing your procurement expertise.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-end procurement and tender activities across a high-volume portfolio.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders to understand business needs and develop fit-for-purpose procurement solutions.
• Support supplier selection, contract administration, and performance monitoring activities.
• Maintain accurate procurement and contract information, ensuring strong records management practices.
• Analyse procurement data and trends to identify opportunities for improved outcomes and efficiencies.
• Contribute to the development of procurement tools, resources, and process improvements.
• Provide practical guidance to stakeholders on procurement processes, policies, and best practice.

Skills

Procurement experience

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector procurement

Analytical capability

Organisational skills

Written and verbal communication

Proactive, solutions-focused

Excel

PowerPoint

Professional development

Public Service Standards

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

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 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.

The role is a delivery-focused procurement position that balances stakeholder engagement, end-to-end tender management, contract administration, supplier performance monitoring, analysis, and continuous improvement within a public sector environment.

Join a busy and collaborative procurement team where you'll help ensure quality services and value-for-money outcomes are delivered across the Ministry. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys coordinating multiple workstreams, building strong relationships, and supporting procurement processes from planning through to contract management.

You'll play a key role in managing procurement activities, supporting sourcing initiatives, maintaining contract and supplier information, and providing practical procurement advice to stakeholders. Along the way, you'll contribute to process improvements, strengthen procurement practices, and use data and insights to help inform sound decision-making.

In this role, you'll:

• Coordinate end-end procurement and tender activities across a high-volume portfolio
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders to understand business needs and develop fit-for-purpose procurement solutions.
• Support supplier selection, contract administration, and performance monitoring activities.
• Maintain accurate procurement and contract information, ensuring strong records management practices.
• Analyse procurement data and trends to identify opportunities for improved outcomes and efficiencies.
• Contribute to the development of procurement tools, resources, and process improvements.
• Provide practical guidance to stakeholders on procurement processes, policies, and best practice.

Salary range: $86,225 - $104,071 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 Procurement Specialist

About you | Mōhou ake

You're a highly organised procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing detail-oriented work with stakeholder engagement. You bring a customer-focused mindset, sound judgement, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.

You'll be motivated by working collaboratively, finding practical solutions to challenges, and contributing to a team that delivers meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders.

• Experience in procurement, contract administration, sourcing, or a related commercial environment.
• Confidence building productive relationships and working with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Understanding of public sector procurement practices and Government Procurement Rules, or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to translate data into insights and recommendations.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Advanced capability across Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and growing your procurement expertise.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

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.

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 4 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.