Strategic Social Procurement Leader (Public Sector)

CGR Services; Wellington; On-site; NZD 143,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development in Wellington is seeking a Principal Procurement Specialist to lead strategic social procurement initiatives. You will provide expert advice, develop frameworks, and guide complex procurements to support MSD’s goals and deliver outcomes for New Zealanders.

Working with senior leaders, you will coach teams, build capability, and mentor staff while ensuring policies and processes are applied.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in social procurement, ideally within the public sector.
• MCIPS or a relevant procurement qualification.
• Strong experience working with stakeholders on complex procurement programmes.
• Sound understanding of the social commissioning lifecycle and government 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 and frameworks.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills across teams and agencies.
• Ability to identify risks and opportunities and provide practical solutions.
• Experience leading change initiatives and implementing best practice approaches.
• Proven coaching and mentoring skills and a passion for capability development.
• Excellent communication and ability to present complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advise on strategic, complex social procurement initiatives across MSD.
• Develop frameworks and guidance to support quality procurement practices.
• Provide expert advice on procurement matters and inform senior decision-making.
• Coach and mentor team members to build procurement capability.
• Collaborate with leaders to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and best practices.

Skills

Social procurement experience

Stakeholder management

Change management

Coaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

MCIPS or relevant procurement qualification

Job description

The Ministry of Social Development in Wellington is seeking a Principal Procurement Specialist to lead strategic social procurement initiatives. You will provide expert advice, develop frameworks, and guide complex procurements to support MSD’s goals and deliver outcomes for New Zealanders.

Working with senior leaders, you will coach teams, build capability, and mentor staff while ensuring policies and processes are applied.