Principal Procurement Specialist

We’re partnering with the New Zealand Defence Force to recruit a Principal Procurement Specialist at a pivotal time of transformation. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior, high-impact role where you’ll shape how procurement is delivered across one of New Zealand’s most complex and strategically important organisations. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges, influencing at the highest levels, and delivering meaningful outcomes—this is the role you’ve been waiting for

About the role
This is not your standard procurement position. You’ll be at the forefront of NZDF’s most complex, high-value procurement programmes—driving outcomes that directly support national capability and deliver outcomes aligned to NZDF strategy.

You’ll operate across the full sourcing lifecycle, combining hands-on delivery with strategic influence.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the delivery of large-scale, high-risk procurement activity end-to-end
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for major, high-profile programmes
• Support, via delivery of throughlife support procurement, critical defence capability acquisitions
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior stakeholders
• Drive best practice and continuous improvement across procurement
• Ensure robust governance, risk management, and alignment with Government Rules of Procurement

About you
You’re a commercially sharp procurement professional who knows how to navigate complexity and deliver results where it counts.

You’ll bring:

• 10 + years’ experience in senior procurement or commercial roles
• A track record delivering complex, high-value procurement programmes
• Strong knowledge of Government Rules of Procurement (or comparable frameworks)
• The ability to influence, challenge, and engage senior stakeholders
• Excellent commercial judgement and strategic thinking

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Demonstrated resilience and confidence operating in high-profile, fast-moving and complex environments
• MCIPS or relevant tertiary qualification (preferred)

Why NZDF?
Working at the New Zealand Defence Force means your work genuinely matters. You’ll contribute to projects that have real national significance, supporting the capabilities that keep New Zealand safe.

Alongside that purpose, you’ll gain exposure to large-scale, complex programmes, work with highly capable people, and play a key role in shaping the future of procurement within a mission-driven organisation.

Want to know more? Call Serena Daysh on 022 184 2126 or email serena.daysh@robertwalters.co.nz

Additional Information

• Pre-employment drug testing and NZDF Police Clearance are required

Please Note:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with NZDF, you must meet the following criteria:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen, or hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa
• You must have lived continuously for the last ten (10) years in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS)

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Serena Daysh on +6444719734