Procurement and Commercial Practice Lead - Infrastructure at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Procurement and Commercial Practice Lead is a key senior practitioner and leadership role within the Defence Commercial Services (DCS) Commercial Delivery team. You will be responsible for contributing to the overall capability and effectiveness of the NZDF commercial function, whilst enabling and fostering the development, growth and expertise of your team.

You'll take ownership and responsibility of your area, and lead and manage the delivery of the end to end procurement lifecycle with a strategic focus through the delivery of complex and exciting procurement and commercial projects, within the Defence Estate and Infrastructure portfolio streams.

This role will lead the team that provides commercial services to Defence Estate and Infrastructure (DEI). DEI develop, maintain and manage land, property and infrastructure assets for all camps and bases in order to support NZDF military capabilities and all of government outcomes. You'll provide technical expertise and guidance for procurement for your team.

This is a Wellington CBD based role, with travel to NZDF Camps and Bases as required, plus flexible working options.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for a senior practitioner with a proven track record as a senior procurement professional. You'll have excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and mentor your team. You must have procurement and commercial experience in the Infrastructure and Construction industry.

You'll have demonstrated commercial acumen as well as the ability to think strategically, a sound understanding and experience of the end-to-end procurement lifecycle process, the Government Procurement Rules and best practice strategic procurement behaviour, across a wide range of categories.

Ideally, you will also have:

• Demonstrable strengths and experience with strategic procurement.
• Experience managing complex tender processes with high levels of risk and/or public profile.
• A strong focus on customer and service delivery.
• The ability to influence and negotiate, including pushing back, offering alternatives and information around the ‘why'.
• Knowledge of NZS3910:2013 and its execution.

A Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification would be advantageous but is not essential. Development support can be given for you to gain a CIPS qualification if you are interested.

A class 1 full driver's licence is required.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 24 March 2025.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, which may require NZDF to propose changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. As we progress through the WSP, we will be communicating with our people about any potential impact on roles and structures. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP, and any subsequent proposed change process, is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.