Strategic Social Procurement Leader

Ministry of Social Development; Wellington; On-site; NZD 143,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is seeking a Principal Procurement Specialist to provide expert advice and lead social procurement across the organisation. You will develop strategic approaches, frameworks, and guidance that support quality procurement practices, while coaching and mentoring teams to build capability.

You will work with senior leaders and stakeholders to identify risks and opportunities, deliver results with minimal direction, and influence across agencies to promote

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in social procurement, ideally within the public sector.
• Qualification in procurement, MCIPS, or a relevant tertiary qualification.
• Strong experience with stakeholders on complex procurement programmes.
• Understanding of the social commissioning lifecycle and government procurement policies.
• Ability to work independently, shape work programmes, and deliver results with minimal direction.
• Experience providing expert advice on complex procurement matters, including interpreting policies, legislation, and organisational frameworks.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills across teams, business groups, and agencies.
• Ability to identify risks and provide practical solutions.
• Experience leading change initiatives and implementing best practice approaches.
• Coaching and mentoring skills to develop others and build capability.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and leadership on social procurement across MSD.
• Develop strategic approaches, frameworks, and guidance for quality procurement practices.
• Coach and mentor team members and support capability development.
• Collaborate with leaders and stakeholders across MSD and other government agencies to promote best practice in social procurement.

Skills

Social procurement

MCIPS or equivalent

Stakeholder management

Public sector procurement

Independent working

Policy interpretation

Relationship building

Risk analysis

Change management

Coaching & mentoring

Clear communication

Education

MCIPS or relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is seeking a Principal Procurement Specialist to provide expert advice and lead social procurement across the organisation. You will develop strategic approaches, frameworks, and guidance that support quality procurement practices, while coaching and mentoring teams to build capability.

You will work with senior leaders and stakeholders to identify risks and opportunities, deliver results with minimal direction, and influence across agencies to promote