Supplier Advisor | Kaitohu Whakarato (Fixed Term)

Marketplace; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

The Department of Conservation is seeking a proactive Supplier Advisor (Fixed Term) to join the Conservation Services Category in Wellington or other locations by arrangement. You will own end-to-end procurement activities—from planning and RFx through tender Evaluations and contract negotiation—driving value-for-money outcomes and strategic supplier partnerships.

With 2+ years in procurement or category management, you will influence stakeholders, manage contracts, and support cross-agency

Qualifications

• 2+ years in procurement/category management.
• Knowledge of Government Procurement Rules preferred.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex commercial situations.
• Experience in influencing and negotiating with stakeholders and senior managers.
• Experience in managing contractual processes with contract law understanding.
• Strong relationship-building with internal and external stakeholders.
• Tertiary qualification or commensurate experience in procurement/commercial sector preferred.
• Understanding of why the Māori Crown relationship is important to DOC.

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 the development and improvement of procurement tools, templates, and processes.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Analytics

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Supplier management

Education

Tertiary qualification in procurement

MCIPS (desirable)

Job description

# Supplier Advisor | Kaitohu Whakarato (Fixed Term) at Department of Conservation, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* 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 processesThis 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. Click here for the Role Description **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 DOCDesirable:* 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? **Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now** Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate. **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** about this role, please contact Sharon Gamble, Category Lead, at [e-mail]. Please note, we're unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.