Senior Procurement Specialist

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI); Wellington; On-site; NZD 119,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in New Zealand is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to lead strategic procurement initiatives. The role requires deep expertise in procurement and contract management, the ability to drive innovative approaches, and strong relationship skills. Candidates should possess proven experience in complex contract negotiations and the ability to mentor others. This is a full-time permanent position located in Wellington.

Benefits

Annual Wellness payment

Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to lenses/frames

Career development and internal opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading strategic procurement processes.
• Ability to think critically and communicate clearly.
• Experience in mentoring and guiding team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support procurement processes.
• Contribute to MPI's strategic outcomes through expert guidance.
• Mentor team members to enhance procurement capability.

Skills

Deep strategic procurement and contract management experience

Exposure to a broad range of domains

Proven ability to lead complex contract negotiations

Advanced communication and presentation skills

Strong understanding of procurement-related risk management

Ability to mentor and build team capability

Knowledge of Government Procurement Rules

Job description

Job Description

Job title: Senior Procurement Specialist

Role type: Full Time Permanent

Location: Wellington

Salary band & range: C $119,376 to $153,670 depending on skills and experience

About the Role

Join a high performing team using your well-honed procurement skills! This senior role leads and supports procurement processes, contributing to MPI's strategic outcomes through expert guidance and collaboration.

We are looking for someone with deep procurement expertise who can drive end-to-end strategic procurement initiatives. You will support managers with document reviews, quality control, and help team members grow their procurement capability through internal leadership and mentoring.

The role requires strategic thinking and flexibility, someone who sees beyond traditional procurement boundaries and brings innovative approaches.

While ICT experience is a bonus, our focus is on finding someone with broad strategic procurement depth.

About You

You will bring a strategic mindset and strong relationship skills to lead procurement processes, support contract managers, and mentor others.

Your ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and promote best practice will help shape a high-performing team.

You will have:

• Deep strategic procurement and contract management experience
• Exposure to a broad range of domains
• Proven ability to lead complex contract negotiations
• Advanced communication and presentation skills
• Strong understanding of procurement-related risk management
• Ability to mentor and build team capability
• Knowledge of Government Procurement Rules or equivalent private sector experience

About the Team

We are a close-knit team based in Wellington, known for the depth and delivery of our procurement work. We support each other, celebrate team successes, and enjoy rituals like team breakfasts and a quiz.

We work closely with business units across MPI, contributing to strategic outcomes through high-quality procurement advice and delivery.

About MPI

We are passionate about growing prosperity in New Zealand's primary sectors while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI

• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

Please note, given this position is identified as carrying financial risk, the preferred candidate(s) will be required to satisfactorily pass a credit check.

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

Applications close at 11.59pm 16 October 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please email [e-mail]