Principal Procurement Specialist

Join to apply for the Principal Procurement Specialist role at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As one of our Principal Procurement Specialists in the Infrastructure Capital 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 Capital.

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 delivering value for money outcomes.

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.

To view a copy of the position description, click here.

O Pumanawa | 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, and related professional services procurement experience.

A clear understanding of design and construction in civil engineering.

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 Design & Construct and 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, and / or a CIPS or related professional industry membership is preferred.

Ko wai matou | 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 our strategic direction.

NZTA is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's largest public sector procuring agencies and leads procurement practice across much of the land transport sector.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click 'Apply for this Job' to upload your CV and cover letter.

Ra Katinga | Applications close

16 September 2025

For further information, email :

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.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industries

Government Administration

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

We celebrate diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that supports these values.

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