Principal Advisor - Procurement Policy and Process

• Take the next step in your career in one of NZ’s largest public sector procuring agencies 
• Do you have a keen eye for detail, a strategic mindset, and a genuine desire to improve how things are done?
• Are you comfortable leading change, influencing others, and ensuring our procurement documentation and frameworks are not only fit for purpose but also easy to use and understand?
• Varied and interesting work, based in Wellington or Auckland

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

Are you passionate about leading the continuous improvement and effective administration of procurement collateral—including policies, procedures, and processes—to ensure they are always current, accurate, and fit for purpose? We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative individual to take ownership of our procurement frameworks and resources.

While technical procurement knowledge and experience are desirable, this role requires a particular kind of person - someone who is genuinely interested in managing and improving documentation, tools, and frameworks, and who understands their critical role in enabling good procurement practice.

In this role, you will:

• Champion quality and consistency by working closely with the Procurement team and key stakeholders to develop, maintain, and implement a robust procurement framework that sets clear standards for processes and activities.
• Lead change and influence adoption of new policies, processes, and procedures through thoughtful engagement and a range of change management approaches.
• Drive compliance and accountability by leading reporting and initiating courageous conversations where needed to ensure adherence to procurement policy and procedures.
• Own the documentation lifecycle—you’ll lead the creation, maintenance, and administration of high-quality, user-friendly procurement tools, templates, and guidance materials.
• Embed lessons learned by reviewing procurement practices and refining frameworks and guidance to reflect continuous improvement and evolving needs.
• Initiate and lead research and analysis into new developments and best practices that will contribute to improving NZTA’s procurement approach.

The likely appointment range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000 depending on skills and experience.

Click here to review the full position description.

Ō Pūmanawa I What we're looking for 

Our ideal candidate will have some or all of the following (but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box).  

• Has an excellent understanding of government & NZTA procurement policies, rules and process
• Experience in developing and implementing procurement improvement initiatives
• Relevant experience in the development of frameworks, processes and procedures
• Experience in continuous improvement across procurement systems and processes 
• Well-developed analytical and conceptual thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Excellent influencing skills and ability to have courageous conversations
• Well-developed commercial acumen 

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in a related discipline or equivalent experience 
• CIPS or related professional industry membership preferred 

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us? 

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We’re searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment—and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.  

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here - valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work. 

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees – you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual, the team, and the organisation. And whether it’s on-the-job experience, signing up to a course, coaching opportunities, or secondments to other roles within NZTA – you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential. 

Ko wai mātou | About us 
The Procurement function at NZTA is responsible for planning, sourcing, and managing the supply of external resources to NZTA. Procurement is an essential part of how NZTA delivers our critical business functions to support our strategic direction. Many functions of NZTA are performed, in full or part, using external suppliers and we are one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest public sector procuring agencies. NZTA is not only responsible for its own procurement requirements, but it also leads procurement practice across much of the land transport sector.  

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:   

Please click ‘Apply for this Job’ to upload your CV and cover letter.   

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

26 November 2025

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.