Procurement Specialist: Drive Strategic Sourcing & Value

Watercare; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Life and income protection insurance

Generous parental leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Watercare is looking for a Procurement Specialist in Central Auckland to lead end-to-end procurement activities, develop sourcing strategies, and collaborate with stakeholders to maximise value. You will manage RFx processes, contract drafting and supplier negotiations, while driving efficiency and compliance with Watercare policies.

You’ll bring around five years of procurement experience, strong negotiation and Excel/data skills, and a tertiary qualification (CIPS advantageous).

Qualifications

• You have around five years’ experience in procurement, supply chain or a related commercial environment.
• You have experience with competitive procurement processes, including RFQs, RFPs or other market engagement approaches.
• You possess strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• You have good negotiation skills and an understanding of contracts and commercial terms.
• You are confident working with stakeholders across different levels and disciplines.
• You have strong organisational skills and can manage multiple procurement activities at different stages.
• You demonstrate sound commercial judgement and attention to detail.
• You can manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines.
• You are comfortable working with Excel and procurement data.
• You show a collaborative approach and willingness to learn and develop.
• You have a relevant tertiary qualification and/or procurement qualification such as CIPS would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities, including market engagement and RFX and LAP planning and execution.
• Develop fit-for-purpose sourcing strategies that consider market capability, commercial opportunities, risk and stakeholder requirements.
• Support category planning, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, value for money and commercial outcomes.
• Develop procurement documentation, including requirements, evaluation criteria, pricing schedules, RFx documentation and recommendation papers.
• Coordinate and support evaluation processes, including commercial analysis, moderation and supplier due diligence.
• Lead and support supplier negotiations, and contribute with contract drafting, award and implementation.
• Build effective supplier relationships and support constructive engagement with the market.
• Partner with stakeholders to understand their needs, challenge requirements where appropriate and provide practical and timely procurement and commercial advice.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with Watercare’s procurement policies, delegated authorities, probity requirements and governance processes.
• Identify, quantify and track procurement benefits, including cost savings, cost avoidance, efficiencies and broader value.
• Use data and market insights to support procurement decisions, category strategies and supplier negotiations.
• Contribute to procurement reporting, process improvements, templates and continuous improvement across the Procurement function.

Skills

Procurement experience

Competitive procurement

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Excel & data skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in procurement (CIPS advantageous)

Job description

Watercare is looking for a Procurement Specialist in Central Auckland to lead end-to-end procurement activities, develop sourcing strategies, and collaborate with stakeholders to maximise value. You will manage RFx processes, contract drafting and supplier negotiations, while driving efficiency and compliance with Watercare policies.

You’ll bring around five years of procurement experience, strong negotiation and Excel/data skills, and a tertiary qualification (CIPS advantageous).