Procurement Specialist

KiwiRail Freight; Wellington; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted travel

Health insurance

Staff Welfare Trust

Retail discounts

Fitness discounts

Job summary

KiwiRail is seeking a Procurement Specialist based in Wellington to lead sourcing, develop category strategies, and drive value for money across the organisation. You will partner with the Interislander team and other business units to deliver strategic procurement outcomes.

You will analyse data, manage supplier relationships, draft contracts, negotiate effectively, and ensure compliance with Government Procurement Rules and KiwiRail policies, while embedding sustainable procurement practices.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of procurement experience in a medium to large organisation.
• Strong category management and procurement analytics skills.
• Experience drafting contracts and negotiating with suppliers.
• Ability to analyse data, build models, and present insights clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies and sub-category analyses to meet procurement objectives.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities: market engagement, evaluation, negotiation, and contract finalisation.
• Provide strategic procurement advice focusing on total cost of ownership and risk management.
• Manage supplier relationships to improve performance, value, and alignment with goals.
• Ensure compliance with Government Procurement Rules and internal policies; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Category management

Data analysis

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

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• Provide procurement leadership and support
• Play a key part in delivering value for money
• Permanent, Wellington based

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being.

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you’re passionate about innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

The Procurement Specialist provides procurement leadership and support across KiwiRail, working closely with the Procurement Category Manager. The role is ideally based in Wellington to support our Interislander team, but Auckland-based applicants will also be considered. This role leads sourcing processes, develops category strategies, manages supplier relationships, and ensures compliance with procurement policies and government rules. The role plays a key part in delivering value for money, supporting KiwiRail’s Procurement Strategy, and embedding sustainable procurement practices.

Key accountabilities include:

• Develop and implement category strategies and complete sub-category analysis to support KiwiRail’s procurement objectives including savings targets.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including market engagement, evaluation, negotiation, and contract finalisation.
• Provide strategic procurement advice and insights to business units, focusing on total cost of ownership and risk management.
• Manage supplier relationships to enhance performance, value, and alignment with KiwiRail’s goals.
• Ensure compliance with Government Procurement Rules and KiwiRail’s procurement policies.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement strategies, policies, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Knowledge and experience

• You have 5+ years of procurement experience in a medium to large organisation.
• You’re skilled in category management and contemporary procurement practices.
• You can analyse complex data, develop models, and present insights clearly.
• You have strong experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and vendor management.
• You understand procurement risk, sustainability, and government procurement rules.

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• You communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels and have strong written communication skills.
• You demonstrate initiative and manage procurement projects independently.
• You influence others and build strong, collaborative relationships.
• You are resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
• You contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Other Requirements

• Proficient in MS Office suite including the use of Excel to perform data analysis.
• You can pass regular drug and alcohol screenings.
• You hold a current and valid NZ driver’s licence.

Qualifications

• You have a relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent industry experience such as engineering or the transport sector.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Access to discounted travel, health insurance, discounts on fitness and at retailers, as well as the use of holiday houses across NZ and Australia as part of our Staff Welfare Trust package

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?