Strategic Public Procurement Lead

Kumara Vine; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Kumara Vine in Wellington seeks a Principal Procurement Specialist to lead high-value, complex procurement across corporate, digital and school portfolios. You will influence outcomes across a large public sector environment and advise senior stakeholders.

This full-time role offers scope to shape procurement strategy, guide end-to-end processes from planning to contract award, mentor staff, and drive continuous improvement while aligning with Government Procurement Rules.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex, high-value procurement and tender processes.
• Strong knowledge of Government Procurement Rules and public sector best practice.
• Exceptional stakeholder management with credibility across diverse groups.
• Commercial acumen and negotiation skills delivering value while managing risk.
• Ability to analyse information and provide evidence-based advice.
• Experience in large or complex organisations with shifting priorities.
• Collaborative leadership with coaching, mentoring and development mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; simplify complex concepts.
• Strategic thinking with strong execution from planning to delivery.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and smarter ways of working.
• CIPS membership or progression toward it; experience with public sector environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement across corporate, digital and school portfolios and related tender processes.
• Provide expert advice and shape procurement strategies.
• Guide end-to-end procurement activity from planning and market engagement through to contract award.
• Mentor procurement specialists and build a culture of collaboration, quality and excellence.
• Influence decisions at all levels to deliver commercially sound outcomes.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Public sector procurement

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

People leadership

Communication

Continuous improvement

CIPS membership

Risk management

Job description

Kumara Vine in Wellington seeks a Principal Procurement Specialist to lead high-value, complex procurement across corporate, digital and school portfolios. You will influence outcomes across a large public sector environment and advise senior stakeholders.

This full-time role offers scope to shape procurement strategy, guide end-to-end processes from planning to contract award, mentor staff, and drive continuous improvement while aligning with Government Procurement Rules.