Senior Procurement Commercial Lead
Date: 25 Sept 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Champion improved and innovative commercial models that drive system-level outcomes
- Mentor and build capability across DSS
- Influence executive decision making and foster commercial excellence across a range of complex initiatives
Lead strategic commercial transformation across Disability Support Services (DSS), shaping high-value initiatives and driving sector-wide impact.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.
We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.
We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.
We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
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 Māori and Pacific providers to grow market capability
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-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)
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Procurement Commercial Lead position description.
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday 9 October2025.
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.
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.
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.
