Supplier Advisor | Kaitohu Whakarato (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Wellington; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a proactive Supplier Advisor to help shape procurement partnerships that support conservation across Aotearoa. You will work with internal teams and external suppliers across the full procurement lifecycle, from strategy to supplier management, delivering value-driven outcomes.

Based in Wellington with flexibility for other locations, this full‑time fixed‑term role runs until 29 October 2027 to provide parental leave cover.

Qualifications

• 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
• Studying towards MCIPS would be a bonus

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Procurement experience

Analytical skills

Stakeholder influence

Contract management

Relationship building

Education

Tertiary qualification in procurement

Job description

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.

• 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

• 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.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

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 Sunday, 4 October 2026

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

please contact Sharon Gamble, Category Lead, at [e-mail]