Supplier Engagement Lead, Wellington
Date: 30 Oct 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
MSD – services for the future
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.
Join MSD’s flagship transformation programme, MSD – services for the future, and help shape how we deliver services for the next 30 years.
MSD – services for the future is about MSD’s future role and how we can make a bigger and better difference for New Zealanders, helping us achieve our strategic goal, Te Pae Tawhiti.
About our team | Mō te tīma
- Permanent role
- Based at National Office in Wellington
Our team is on a significant journey, driving strong supplier relationships to deliver future-focused services. We value collaboration, energy, and the ability to influence upwards.
Your voice will help shape MSD’s future.
You’ll be part of the Transformation Programme, working in an exciting agile space alongside decision makers and strategic suppliers.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As Supplier Engagement Lead, you will enable the successful management of MSD’s high-value commercial partnerships. You’ll provide expert advice, analytical insight, and operational support to deliver supplier relationship strategies that align with MSD’s transformation objectives.
Key responsibilities:
• Lead the design and implementation of supplier engagement frameworks and methodologies.
• Develop innovative approaches to supplier relationship management, driving performance excellence and value creation.
• Advise senior leadership on supplier engagement strategies and commercial partnership opportunities.
• Provide senior-level expertise in contract management, performance assessment, and commercial risk evaluation.
• Lead complex contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior supplier executives and key decision-makers.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
• Proven experience negotiating and managing large, complex agreements through their lifecycle.
• Significant experience in managing strategic supplier relationships and influencing at a senior level.
• Sound understanding of supplier risks and mitigations.
• Experience in government industry and trends, with knowledge of procurement and commercial requirements.
• Knowledge of supplier relationship management frameworks and metrics.
What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou
• Be part of a significant transformation journey in an agile, future-focused environment.
• Access to decision makers and opportunities to influence upwards.
• Work with strategic suppliers and senior stakeholders.
• Lead and shape the future of supplier engagement at MSD.
• Supportive, inclusive, and people-centered workplace.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Be the Change, Shape the Future
At MSD, we’re not just transforming services, we’re building a legacy. Your expertise will help us create resilient, future-ready partnerships that make a real difference.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
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.
Closing date: 12 November 2025
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.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
