Supplier Relationship Manager

About the role | Mo te tunga :

As Supplier Relationship Manager, you'll lead the development and execution of supplier management practices that ensure service quality, compliance, and alignment with DSS goals.

You'll manage relationships with strategic suppliers, oversee performance and governance, and support contract managers to deliver high-quality services.

This role is key to enhancing supplier relationships and improving outcomes for disabled people.

Key responsibilities include :

Lead supplier segmentation exercises and develop tailored management approaches

Maintain up-to-date analysis of key suppliers to anticipate and manage risk

Lead cross-agency engagement with common providers for consolidated oversight

Enhance provider market relationships and improve DSS's reputation

Support contract managers with customised supplier relationship strategies

Implement supplier governance and support senior-level engagement

Oversee supplier delivery against contractual and performance standards

Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvement

Collaborate with internal teams to align supplier performance with commissioning outcomes

Resolve disputes and escalated supplier issues through negotiation and problem-solving

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whanau, or the disability community.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

A deep understanding of supplier management principles and performance frameworks

Substantial knowledge of commissioning and organisational operations

Proven relationship-building and communication skills, with experience managing suppliers in complex environments

Proven ability to engage senior stakeholders, including CEOs and senior officials

Strong analytical skills to interpret supplier data and assess risk

Ability to assess financial performance and support risk identification

Effective problem-solving and negotiation skills, with a track record of improving supplier outcomes

Understanding of procurement legislation and ethical standards

Salary | Utu-a-tau : $122,381.00 - $152,296.00

The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation.

We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whanau and communities.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve.

We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

How to apply | Me pehea te tuku tono :

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note : Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online.

If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.

This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining MSD means being part of a whanau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.

We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment.

We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

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