Senior Procurement Commercial Lead

About the role | Mo te tunga :

This senior role offers a unique opportunity to shape the commercial strategy for DSS, lead the most complex and high-value initiatives, and drive commercial excellence across the Ministry.

You'll influence sector-wide outcomes, embed best practice, and deliver innovative, high-quality, and value driven commercial solutions that align with DSS's immediate and long-term goals.

As a trusted advisor and thought leader, you'll mentor others, build capability, and champion inclusive engagement across the sector.

Key responsibilities include :

Leading the commercial vision and strategy for DSS, aligned with MSD and government priorities

Overseeing high-risk, high-value commercial projects with sector-wide impact

Designing and delivering innovative commercial models and frameworks

Building commercial capability and providing expert mentoring across DSS and MSD

Championing engagement with Maori and Pacific providers to grow market capability

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.

Extensive senior-level experience in commercial procurement leadership, ideally at a system or sector level

Proven success leading complex, high-risk commercial projects and negotiations

Deep understanding of government procurement policy and public sector context

Strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and an innovative mindset

Exceptional demonstrated leadership, influencing, and relationship management skills

Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement

Relevant tertiary qualification and ideally an advanced procurement / commercial certification (e.g., MCIPS)

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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