Senior Procurement Advisor

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 106,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children seeks a Senior Procurement Specialist to lead strategic procurement, influence stakeholders, and drive sourcing and contract development across a complex, purpose-driven environment in Wellington. Hybrid working with in-office and flexible WFH arrangements.

The role requires extensive senior procurement experience in social services, proven ability to advise senior leaders, and a deep understanding of government procurement rules.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level procurement experience within the social services sector (essential).
• Proven success leading complex procurement activities and innovative sourcing approaches.
• Provide quality procurement advice and recommendations for sourcing and implementation of social service commissioning.
• Experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge of government procurement rules, principles and practices.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing, and communication skills.
• Ability to balance outcomes with broader social and community objectives.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, in particular tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic procurement to deliver better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whanau.
• Provide strategic procurement leadership and influence key stakeholders.
• Drive best-practice sourcing and contract development across a complex environment.
• Partner with internal leaders and external providers to ensure effective, sustainable services.

Skills

Senior procurement leadership

Stakeholder influence

Contract development

Relationship-building

Cross-cultural awareness

Job description

• Opportunity to influence procurement strategy and outcomes at a national level
• Meaningful work that contributes to better outcomes for New Zealand communities
• Collaborative and values-driven environment
• Multiple fixed term opportunities till Dec 2027

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga| About the role

Lead strategic procurement that helps deliver better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whanau in communities across Aotearoa.

We're seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Specialist to provide strategic procurement leadership, influence key stakeholders, and drive best-practice sourcing and contract development across a complex and purpose-driven environment.

This is an opportunity to bring your procurement expertise to work that genuinely makes a difference, partnering with internal leaders and external providers to ensure services are delivered effectively, sustainably, and with impact.

Hybrid working arrangements – office based in Wellington with flexible WFH options

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• Significant senior-level procurement experience within the social services sector (essential)
• Proven success leading complex procurement activities and innovative sourcing approaches
• Provide quality procurement advice and recommendations for the sourcing and implementation of social service commissioning
• Experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders and stakeholders
• Sound knowledge of government procurement rules, principles and practices
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing, and communication skills
• The ability to balance outcomes with broader social and community objectives
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117,782 dependent on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Applications for this role close at midnight on November 11th 2026

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.