Supplier Advisor | Kaitohu Whakarato (Fixed Term)

Te Papa Atawhai; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Papa Atawhai is seeking a proactive Supplier Advisor to join the Conservation Services Category within Procurement. You will influence strategy, manage end-to-end procurement, and build strong partnerships with internal teams and suppliers to deliver value-driven outcomes.

The fixed-term role runs until 29 October 2027, with Wellington prioritized but other locations considered for the right candidate. A background in procurement and a collaborative approach are essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' relevant experience in procurement/category management or similar role.
• Strong analytical skills to review complex commercial situations and identify pragmatic solutions.
• Experience in influencing and negotiating with stakeholders, suppliers and senior managers.
• Experience in managing contractual processes with robust contract documentation and knowledge of contract law.
• Strong relationship-building and partnering experience with internal and external stakeholders.
• An understanding of why the Māori Crown relationship is important to DOC.
• Studying towards MCIPS would be a bonus

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research and spend analysis to identify trends, savings opportunities, and process improvements.
• Partner with business groups to understand value-for-money outcomes and category objectives.
• Lead end-to-end procurement processes, including planning, RFx development, tender evaluations, and contract negotiation.
• Advise on procurement strategy, approach-to-market options, and cross-agency initiatives.
• Review and draft contracts to ensure feasibility and alignment with organisational needs.
• Manage supplier performance, preferred supplier lists, and panel arrangements to drive compliance, value, and continuous improvement.
• Support development and improvement of procurement tools, templates, and processes.

Skills

Procurement

Category management

Stakeholder influence

Contract negotiation

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Māori Crown relationship understanding

MCIPS (desirable)

Education

Tertiary qualification in procurement/commercial sector

Job description

Supplier Advisor | Kaitohu Whakarato (Fixed Term)

Salary: $80,695 - 101,951 yearly

Company: Te Papa Atawhai

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description – Supplier Advisor | Kaitohu Whakarato (Fixed Term)

• Are you passionate about nature? Combine your passions for procurement and conservation in these roles which are critical to achieving the Department’s goals
• Full time, fixed term role until 29 October 2027
• Wellington location preferred – open to consider other locations

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We’re looking for a driven Supplier Advisor to join our Conservation Services Category within the Procurement Team and help shape how DOC partners with suppliers to support conservation efforts across Aotearoa.

At DOC, procurement is more than just contracts — it's about building strategic, value-driven partnerships that support frontline staff and advance our Treaty commitments. We're operating under a centre-led, category-based model to deliver smarter, more effective services — and we need your expertise to make it happen.

As a Supplier Advisor, you’ll work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver meaningful procurement outcomes. Your work will span the full procurement lifecycle, from strategy to supplier management.

The role will be focussed on:

• Conducting continuous market research and spend analysis to identify trends, savings opportunities, and process improvements
• Partnering with business groups to understand value-for-money outcomes and category objectives
• Leading end-to-end procurement processes, including planning, RFx development, tender evaluations, and contract negotiation
• Advising on procurement strategy, approach-to-market options, and cross-agency initiatives
• Reviewing and drafting contracts to ensure feasibility and alignment with organisational needs
• Managing supplier performance, preferred supplier lists, and panel arrangements to drive compliance, value, and continuous improvement
• Supporting the development and improvement of procurement tools, templates, and processes

This is a full time, fixed term role until 29 October 2027, providing parental leave cover. This role is based in Wellington, but other locations will be considered for the right candidate.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• 2+ years' relevant experience in a similar procurement/ category management role; knowledge of the Government Procurement Rules would be viewed favourably
• Strong analytical skills to review complex commercial situations and provide pragmatic solutions to stakeholders
• Experience in influencing and negotiating with stakeholders, suppliers, and senior managers
• Experience in managing contractual processes - evidenced by robust contract documentation and sound understanding of contract law
• Strong relationship building and partnering experience, with ability to work collaboratively with team members and internal & external stakeholders
• A tertiary qualification or commensurate experience in procurement and/or the commercial sector preferred
• An understanding of why the Māori Crown relationship is important to DOC

Desirable:

• Studying towards MCIPS would be a bonus

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Want to know more?

Salary:

$80,695–$101,951, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility:

You must hold a valid New Zealand work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 3 November 2026

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

Please contact Sharon Gamble, Category Lead, [e-mail]. Please note, we’re unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.