Principal Procurement Specialist

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Principal Procurement Specialist will be part of the Ministry's Procurement team and will report and provide support to the Social Sector and/or the Education Services Procurment team. The Principal Procurement Specialist will bring considerable sourcing expertise, extensive experience in delivering ‘end to end' procurement activities and a strong understanding of contract management.  The Principal Specialist will ensure that the Ministry has an informed approach to strategic sourcing, achieves the best possible commercial outcomes, promotes procurement leadership and supplier relationship management. They will also identify and implement areas of improvement via the procurement process relating to various complex and large-scale activities.  They will also actively mentor and coach other procurement advisers.

As a Principal Procurement Specialist you will investigate the technical and commercial options for fulfilling the requirements, including possible sources of supply, and agrees the preferred options and potential suppliers with the business.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for someone who has high level of integrity with the ability to build strong working relationships with a selection of key stakeholders and be able to prioritise and multi-task in an environment where workloads can escalate quickly.

You will also:

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and stakeholders on procurement strategy and policy.
• Contribute to providing assurance of procurement compliance and quality by reviewing/endorsing procurement documentation (in line with the Ministry's procurement policy) and other auditing.
• Lead /conduct high value/complex procurements including undertaking needs analysis and procurement planning, drafting procurement documentation, managing the procurement process, facilitating evaluation, contract negotiations, risk management and awarding.
• Play a key role in lifting procurement capability across the organisation and influencing sector-wide procurement strategies.
• Mentor other Procurement team members to contribute to developing their procurement capability.
• Maintain a good understanding of procurement rules/regulations and current good practice.
• Identify and implement improvements to procurement practices.
• Have the ability to work in a fast-paced complex environment, deal with change and manage significant procurement projects. Therefore pragmatic problem solving is a must have.

To be successful in this role you will have the following capabilities and competencies:

• Exceptional interpersonal communication, both written and oral.
• In-depth knowledge of and substantial experience with government procurement and with leading open tender processes
• Strong knowledge and experience of the practical application of current procurement good practice.
• A track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes.
• A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making. Including current and future market trends.
• Strategic thinking and analytical capability.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Procurement division holds the strategic lead on all procurement matters across the Ministry. This includes leading the procurement strategy and monitoring all procurement activities to align with broader best-practice government procurement direction and guidance.  

We are responsible for the full lifecycle of procurement from market engagement and market awareness, supporting procurement processes, administering contractual agreements, and maintaining commercial, contractual and strategic relationships with suppliers.  

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Moe.Procurement@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Thursday 10 July 2025.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.