Principal Procurement Specialist at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Jul, 26

Salary

160000.0

Posted On

14 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Procurement strategy, Infrastructure asset management, Contract management, Government procurement policies, Sourcing processes, Competitive dialogue, Alliancing, Negotiation, Risk management, Stakeholder management, Commercial frameworks, Public sector procurement

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Grow your expertise in one of NZ’s largest public sector procuring agencies Join our growing team! Varied, interesting, high-profile work Flexible, friendly, and high performing work environment Based in Auckland or Wellington Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity As one of our Principal Procurement Specialists in our Infrastructure Asset Management procurement team, you will support the delivery of NZTA Waka Kotahi business objectives through the development and implementation of best practice procurement strategies, methodologies, systems, processes and tools, across allocated categories and areas of spend, with a focus on Infrastructure Asset Management. Your role will focus on the Plan and Source phase of the procurement life cycle and where required the Manage phase, utilising your procurement expertise to lead the establishment of commercial frameworks and contracts value for money outcomes for a defined business group and/or area of spend. Working in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest public sector procuring agencies, this role offers an outstanding opportunity to build your procurement expertise while supporting varied and interesting work. The likely appointment range for this position is $133,000 to $160,000 depending on skills and experience. To view a copy of the position description click here. Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for Our ideal candidate will have some or all of the following (but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box). Construction, physical works or related professional services procurement experience. An excellent understanding of government procurement policies, rules and process. Knowledge and experience in the design and management of a wide range of public sector sourcing processes, for example, open market, multi-stage, secondary procurements and direct source, for higher value and complex categories and areas of spend. Expertise in the application of more complex routes to market, for example, Competitive Dialogue, Alliancing, with experience applying this knowledge to high-value, high-risk procurements. Experience in successfully supporting complex negotiations and leading less-complex negotiations across multiple projects and programmes. Experience in formal structured contract management of strategically important contracts. A Tertiary qualification in a related discipline or equivalent experience, with CIPS or related professional industry membership preferred. He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us? Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We’re searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment - and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future. At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here - valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work. From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees – you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual, the team, and the organisation. And whether it’s on-the-job experience, signing up to a course, coaching opportunities, or secondments to other roles within NZTA – you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential. Ko wai mātou | About us The Procurement function at NZTA is responsible for planning, sourcing, and managing the supply of external resources to NZTA. Procurement is an essential part of how NZTA delivers our critical business functions to support Te Kāpehu, our strategic direction. Many functions of NZTA are performed, in full or part, using external suppliers and we are one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest public sector procuring agencies. NZTA is not only responsible for its own procurement requirements, but it also leads procurement practice across much of the land transport sector. Apply today – upload your CV and cover letter via the link. Rā Katinga | Applications close: 29 April 2026 For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand. Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process. Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time. Ko wai mātou | About us At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

Responsibilities

The Principal Procurement Specialist will lead the development and implementation of procurement strategies and methodologies for infrastructure asset management. This role involves managing the plan and source phases of the procurement lifecycle to ensure value for money and effective commercial outcomes.