Strategic Procurement Lead

BestStart; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

BestStart is seeking a Chief Procurement lead to build and shape a national procurement function from the ground up in New Zealand. Reporting to the CFO, you will lead procurement across property, technology, services, operations and capital projects, influencing commercial decisions and delivering measurable value.

You will establish governance, implement a national procurement strategy, and embed a commercially focused approach across the organisation, including end-to-end sourcing, contract

Qualifications

• Strong procurement, category or commercial management experience.
• Excellent commercial and financial acumen.
• Ability to influence and build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Establish the procurement framework and governance across the organisation.
• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing, contract negotiations and supplier management.
• Partner with leaders to influence decisions, identify opportunities and improve commercial outcomes.
• Build foundations, strengthen supplier relationships and demonstrate procurement value within 12–18 months.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Contract negotiation

Analytical/problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Build a national procurement function. Drive commercial value. Make your mark.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this is a unique opportunity to build and shape a national procurement function from the ground up.

You’ll lead procurement across a diverse portfolio including property and facilities, technology, professional services, operational goods and services, and capital projects. Working with leaders across the organisation, you’ll influence commercial decisions, strengthen supplier performance and deliver measurable value.

About the role

This newly created role has a clear mandate: establish the procurement framework and governance, implement a national procurement strategy and embed a consistent, commercially focused approach to procurement across the organisation.

You’ll lead end-to-end strategic sourcing, contract negotiations and supplier management while partnering with leaders across the organisation to influence decisions, identify opportunities and improve commercial outcomes.

Over your first 12–18 months, you’ll build the foundations, strengthen supplier relationships and demonstrate the value procurement can deliver.

What you’ll bring

You’re a commercially minded procurement professional with experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management and contract negotiation.

You’ll bring:

• Strong procurement, category or commercial management experience.
• Excellent commercial and financial acumen.
• The ability to influence and build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
• A strategic mindset with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and sound judgement.

Why BestStart?

BestStart is one of New Zealand’s leading early childhood education providers, with a national network supporting children and whānau across Aotearoa.

This is an opportunity to bring your commercial expertise to an organisation where you can build something new, influence nationally and create lasting value.

If you’re ready to build, influence and make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.

For a copy of the Job Description visit position-description---procurement-lead.pdf