Strategic Sourcing Lead

Babcock Australia & New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Office + home working

Defence reservist leave

Study leave

Job summary

Babcock Australasia seeks an experienced Strategic Sourcing Lead to join our New Zealand team based at Devonport Naval Base. You will lead sourcing strategies, contract solutions, and supplier management activities to support major defence projects for NZ Defence Force.

You will drive end-to-end procurement, including tender processes, contract formation, and supplier performance management, while mentoring a team of procurement professionals in a dynamic, highly regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Legally entitled to work in New Zealand and able to obtain NZDF security clearance.
• Experience in a similar role within a complex, highly regulated environment.
• Qualifications in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Finance, Commerce, Law or related areas.
• Experience managing end-to-end sourcing: market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract formation.
• Ability to implement supplier performance frameworks and drive continuous improvement in supplier outcomes.
• Strong understanding of commercial risk and regulatory requirements in procurement.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end procurement, from sourcing strategies to tender processes and contract negotiations.
• Lead supplier performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and mentor a team of procurement professionals.
• Align procurement strategies with project objectives and risk controls.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Risk management

Team leadership

Education

Procurement & SCM qualification

Job description

• Lead strategic sourcing for critical NZ Defence maritime programs
• Based at Devonport Naval Base, a stunning waterfront location.
• Join a collaborative team supporting critical Defence capability.

About The Role

Babcock is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Strategic Sourcing Lead to join our growing New Zealand team based at Devonport Naval Base. Reporting to the Program Portfolio Manager, this is an opportunity to play a critical role in supporting our operations as a trusted maritime partner to the New Zealand Defence Force. Working in a dynamic and complex environment, you will be responsible for leading sourcing strategies, contract solutions, and supplier management activities that directly contribute to the successful delivery of major projects and business outcomes.

In this role, you will drive end-to-end procurement and contracting activities, from developing sourcing strategies and leading complex tender processes through to contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring the delivery of commercially sound, value-for-money outcomes while effectively managing risk and compliance requirements. Working closely with Operations, Commercial, and Programme Delivery teams, you will ensure procurement strategies are aligned with project objectives and support long-term business success.

As a leader, you will guide and develop a team of procurement professionals, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, mentorship, and professional development. You will also play a pivotal role in improving sourcing and supplier management practices, enhancing procurement processes, and delivering insights that support informed business decision-making.

To be successful, you will bring:

• Legally entitled to work in New Zealand and capable of obtaining a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Security Clearance.
• Previous experience in a similar role within a complex, highly regulated environment.
• Relevant qualifications in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Finance, Commerce, Law or related areas and/or suitable experience that provides similar competencies.
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end sourcing processes, including market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract formation, particularly in project-based or complex procurement environments.
• Proven ability to implement and manage supplier performance frameworks, resolve delivery or compliance issues, and drive continuous improvement in supplier outcomes.
• Strong experience in identifying, assessing, and managing commercial and contractual risks, with a solid understanding of legal and regulatory requirements relevant to procurement and contract execution.

Your Future At Babcock – What We Offer You

• Our agile working policies offer more choice and autonomy. For you, this could mean flexible start and finish times, a mix of office and home working, or even condensed working weeks.
• Our work life integration policy offers attractive leave entitlements including (not limited to) wellbeing leave, volunteer leave, paid parental leave, defence reservist leave, and we are proud to be a Work180 endorsed employer.
• Babcock’s supportive and engaging environment, coupled with our capability framework, aims to advance your career with internal development programs, self-led learning modules through LinkedIn Learning and access to study leave.
• Our beRewarded platform offers endless discounts across retail, health, entertainment, travel and much more, plus novated leasing options and corporate shares plan.
• As a principles driven organisation, our weRecognise program aims to recognise the outstanding work our people do each and every day in line with our Principles which are Be kind, Collaborate, Be Curious, Think Outcomes, Be Courageous and Own & Deliver.

Who We Are

Babcock Australasia combines the best talent and in-country expertise while leveraging the rich 130+ year global heritage of Babcock International Group, a FTSE 100 international defence company.

Our team of 1,800+ experienced staff ensure critical services and assets are readily available, affordable, and future proof. From maritime sustainment and secure communications, to lifesaving helicopter missions and managing critical fleets, we ensure our customers are equipped to fulfil their mission

So, if you would like to join us and help create a safe and secure world, together.

To learn more about Babcock visit www.babcock.com.au

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experience however, the successful candidate must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and capable of obtaining a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Security Clearance.

This position requires working with, or exposure to, US export controlled technology; compliance with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) will be assessed.

Please note, should your application progress you may be required to complete pre-employment checks. These checks may include but not limited to, reference checks, MOJ, security check, qualifications and right to work.

Babcock Australasia is a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.