Procurement and Commercial Practice Lead

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) Team.

This role will manage the DCS Enabling team, reporting to the Commercial Portfolio Manager Capability. You will be responsible for the management and delivery of the end to end procurement lifecycle with a strategic focus through the delivery of complex and exciting procurement projects, across the Enabling and NZDF Capability portfolio streams, and fostering the development, growth and expertise of your team.

The Team provides procurement and commercial support and advice to a wide range of internal stakeholders including NZDF Health Directorate , Finance , Public Affairs, Veterans' Affairs, Defence College and Capability Branch.

The DCS Enabling team portfolio is varied with a wide range of goods and services being procured from gym equipment, Interior / Exterior House Cleaning for our Veterans, Educational and Health Services, Dental Consumables and a range of military products and support services. No two pieces of work are the same – offering great variety in your work.

Your team is predominately based in Trentham, however there will be the option to work from Defence House a couple of days a week, with travel to NZDF Camps and Bases as required, plus flexible working options.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We are looking for a senior practitioner with a proven track record as a senior procurement professional. You will have excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and mentor your team.

You will 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:

• Credible and influential team management and leadership experience.
• 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.
• Strong communication skills - able to explain ideas simply & clearly, listen carefully to others, and proactively improve team communication.
• The ability to influence and negotiate, including pushing back, offering alternatives and information around the ‘why'.

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 Tuesday 28 May 2024.

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.