Principal Procurement Specialist

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Date: 17 Sept 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ

Company: Ministry of Social Development

 

  • Wellington Based
  • Permanent opportunity

About the role | Mō te tūnga

 

As a Principal Procurement Specialist, you will provide expert advice and leadership on social procurement across the Ministry. You will lead some of our most complex and strategic procurement work, helping ensure it supports MSD's goals and delivers positive outcomes for New Zealanders.

 

Working with a high level of autonomy, you will develop strategic approaches, frameworks, and guidance that support quality procurement practices across the organisation. You will provide trusted advice on complex procurement matters, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and help inform decision-making at a senior level.

 

You will also play an important role in building procurement capability across MSD. This includes coaching and mentoring team members, sharing your expertise, and supporting continuous improvement.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

 

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

  • Extensive experience in social procurement, ideally within the public sector.
  • A qualification in procurement, MCIPS, or a relevant tertiary qualification.
  • Strong experience working with stakeholders on complex procurement programmes and initiatives.
  • A sound understanding of the social commissioning lifecycle and government procurement policies and processes.
  • The ability to work independently, shape work programmes, and deliver results with minimal direction.
  • Experience providing expert advice on complex procurement matters, including interpreting policies, legislation, and organisational frameworks.
  • Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience working across teams, business groups, and agencies.
  • The ability to identify risks and opportunities, analyse information, and provide practical solutions.
  • Experience leading change initiatives and implementing best practice approaches.
  • Proven coaching and mentoring skills, with a passion for developing others and building capability.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex information in a clear and practical way.

 

Working closely with leaders and stakeholders across MSD and other government agencies, you will help strengthen collaboration and promote best practice in social procurement.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

 

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 27 September, 2026. 

 

About us | Mō mātou

 

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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 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.

 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

 

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment

 

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. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.

 

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. You can find out more about our values here.

 

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.