• Join a collaborative and engaging team
• Wellington based role
• Fixed term until 30 June 2026

Use your Procurement, Commercial and Commissioning experience to support the work we do to improve social outcomes for disabled people.

About us | Mō mātou: 

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, whānau and communities.
 
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
 
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.

About our team | Mō te tīma:

The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) is being established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services.

The DSS Review Taskforce has been established to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review in DSS to:

• provide disabled people with certain and consistent access to DSS, no matter what their circumstances or where they live in New Zealand
• prioritise funding for disabled people with the highest needs, and those who would benefit most from early intervention support,
• ensure that Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles are put into practice
• ensure that the long-term sustainability of DSS is strengthened to provide disabled people and carers with services that are both fair and affordable.

About the role | Mō te tūnga:

As the Principal Commercial Specialist, you will you’ll work closely with the Director Commissioning and the DSS Taskforce to lead and manage complex commercial work and oversee a range of activities within categories of commissioning activity.

You will develop strategic sourcing strategies, oversee procurements, including procurement improvements, and establish supplier relationship approaches that enables outcomes to align with DSS immediate and long-term strategic direction. 

You will mentor others to share best practice and experience across commissioning and wider DSS and provides strategic advice to leaders across the group.

DSS is in a period of change where it’s commissioning, procurement and commercial functions are growing and improving. This role will be critical in driving forward improvements across how DSS procures and commissions services in the future.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic sourcing and stakeholder engagement
• Supplier and contract management
• Supplier relationship management
• Delivery of procurement and commercial projects
• Embedding te ao Māori into commercial practices

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, 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. 

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

• Extensive senior commercial procurement experience
• A procurement related qualification (e.g. MCIPS, or a related degree or certification) would be beneficial
• Proven leadership and strategic sourcing experience
• High-level project and relationship management skills
• Expertise in change management and public sector procurement
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills
• Ability to maintain objectivity, fairness, and professionalism

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Commercial Specialist position description.  

Salary band: $141,109 - $175,603

Applications Close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te : Sunday 10 August 2025.

How to apply | Me pēhea 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 jobs@msd.govt.nz

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 us | Ko te hono mai:

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau 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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

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