Principal Advisor - Supplier Relationship Management

Principal Advisor - Supplier Relationship Management

Join to apply for the Principal Advisor – Supplier Relationship Management role at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi .

About the role

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Principal Advisor – Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) to champion strategic supplier engagement and drive commercial excellence. In this role, you’ll think strategically, see the bigger picture, and get things done—delivering results while adapting to changing priorities. You’ll lead the development and implementation of SRM across our organisation, present and train with ease, and guide others in best practice. You’ll be self‑leading, decisive, and comfortable having challenging conversations, always with a solutions‑driven, partnership mentality.

What we're looking for

• Confidence engaging with Senior Leadership Teams (SLT)
• Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture, while delivering outcomes
• Confident communicator, both verbally and in writing
• Comfortable presenting, training, and guiding others
• Decisive and self‑leading
• Understands procurement, delivery, and infrastructure—and how they fit together
• Builds strong, meaningful relationships with peers, leaders, and external partners
• Delivers to timelines and manages multiple priorities
• Responsive, with great customer service
• Positive attitude and partnership mentality
• Commercial acumen—able to think critically about risks, concerns, and the bigger picture
• Comfortable with challenging conversations and a range of personalities / technical skills
• Solutions‑driven, not combative; a good fit for the team
• Relevant industry experience

About NZ Transport Agency

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 our strategic direction. Many functions of NZTA are performed, in full or in part, using external suppliers and we are one of the largest public sector procuring agencies in New Zealand. NZTA is not only responsible for its own procurement requirements, but it also leads procurement practice across much of the land transport sector.

How to apply

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Application deadline

Applications close : 22 October 2025

Legal statements

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.

We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time. For further information, email :

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