Procurement and Commercial Specialist at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Defence Commercial Services provides professional commercial and procurement expertise to the NZDF, to support its ‘end-to-end' operational objectives, ensuring we adhere to policy with regards to procurement planning, sourcing, contracting, strategic supplier relationship and contract management.

You will deliver the end to end procurement lifecycle with a strategic focus through the delivery of complex and exciting procurement and commercial projects. You will ensure the minimisation of risk and achievement of public value; aligned to the NZDF's strategic objectives and outputs.

We are currently recruiting for two exciting opportunities. In these roles, you will contribute to and support the strategic objectives of key stakeholders across two distinct streams:

• Capability and Logistics

This unit is building a consolidated and focused logistics organisation that influences across NZDF within the Command environments - Maritime, Land, Air, Supply Chain, Equipment Management and Shared Services. Accountable for all capability development, delivery and management oversight across NZDF within the Land, Aerospace, Maritime and Information environments, through the Defence Capability Management System.

• Defence Estate and Infrastructure

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. Partnering with DEI to translate the long-term Defence Capability Plan into commercially sound, deliverable infrastructure procurement outcomes.

Each role offers the opportunity to work closely with customers, delivering outcomes that align with organisational priorities while supporting critical defence functions.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for an outstanding team player with a proven track record in the delivery of procurement and commercial activities, who has demonstrated ability in engaging successfully with customers and key stakeholders. Our top priority is to recruit someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about procurement and has a focus on exceptional customer delivery.

You'll enjoy and excel at delivering exceptional results, putting the needs of the customer at the centre of everything you do, whilst aligning your deliverables to NZDF's strategic and operational objectives.

Your refined oral and written communication skills will ensure you're able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders with ease, and your written work will be to a high standard. You'll be agile, innovative, excited by challenges, decisive and have strong values, ethics and integrity. You'll have demonstrable experience in dealing well with pressure, remaining calm and being empathetic.

You'll have a sound understanding and demonstrable experience of the end-to-end procurement lifecycle process, the Government Procurement Rules and identify with best practice procurement across a wide range of categories, both direct and indirect; an advantage would be your knowledge and experience of procurement and commercial activity within the Capability and Logistics and Estate and Infrastructure environments. Preferably you'll also have experience working within the public sector, although this is not essential.

Occasional travel is required. Ideally you will have a Class 1 Full Driver's License.

If you tick the above boxes, come with solutions and ideas, have a holistic approach where you're focussed on outcomes, able to anticipate implications and build and maintain excellent working relationships with ease, then this could be your next challenge.

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 Wednesday 24 June 2026.

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.

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.