Senior Commercial Specialist
Date: 5 Dec 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Help shape the future of procurement at MSD
- Permanent, full-time position
- Location: Wellington or Rotorua
About the team | Mō te tīma
At the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), our Procurement and Commercial Services team is the driving force behind sourcing the products and services that keep our organisation thriving. We are a well-established crew with a vibrant culture, a bold vision, and a reputation for delivering excellence.
With several high-impact initiatives launching across MSD, we are looking for passionate, sharp-minded procurement professionals to help us take our delivery to the next level. If you are ready to make a real difference and grow with a team that values innovation, collaboration, and results, we want to hear from you.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As a Senior Commercial Specialist, you will lead complex, high value procurement projects that support MSD’s mission. You will bring your seasoned technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership to every stage of the procurement lifecycle – from planning and sourcing through to negotiation and contract award.
This is a role where you will:
- Drive sourcing planning for high impact initiatives
- Lead procurements and mentor colleagues to lift capability across the organisation
- Negotiate with suppliers to deliver maximum public value
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders inside and outside MSD
- Influence outcomes that align with MSD’s strategy and deliver for communities
About you | Mōu
You are known as a confident influencer and relationship builder, with a track record of delivering results in complex procurement environments. You will bring:
- Extensive experience leading medium to high value procurement projects
- Deep knowledge of sourcing strategies and procurement practices
- Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen
- The ability to coach and mentor others while driving outcomes
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Commercial Specialist position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $118,288.00 - $143,647.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 21 December 2025
Please note: We will begin reviewing applications in January, so you can expect to hear from us early in the New Year.
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.
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. 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.
