Principal Procurement Specialist- INFORMATION COMMAND

We’re partnering with the New Zealand Defence Force to recruit a Principal Procurement Specialist during a key period of transformation within Defence Commercial Services. This is a unique opportunity to step into a senior, high-impact role leading complex, high-value ICT procurement that underpins New Zealand’s defence capability.

About the role

Working closely with the Commercial Portfolio Manager, this is a hands-on senior procurement role, supporting the INFOCOM portfolio, where you will deliver end-to-end procurement activity across some of NZDF’s most complex and high-value ICT programmes.

In this role, you will:

• Lead high-value, high-risk ICT procurement across the full sourcing lifecycle (plan, source, manage)
• Develop and deliver procurement and sourcing strategies for transformational programmes
• Support critical capability acquisitions through effective procurement planning and execution
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior stakeholders and programme leads
• Apply robust governance, risk, and compliance frameworks across all activity
• Working with INFOCOM, lead supplier engagement, negotiation, and establishment of high-value contracts
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement frameworks and ways of working
• Support early commercial planning and business case development
• Ensure alignment with NZDF strategy, policy, and Government procurement standards

About you

You are a highly experienced senior procurement professional who is comfortable operating in complex, high-value and politically sensitive environments.

You will bring:

• 10+ years’ experience in senior procurement or commercial roles
• Proven delivery of large-scale, complex ICT procurement programmes
• Strong knowledge of Government Procurement Rules and public sector frameworks
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Strong commercial judgement and analytical capability
• Ability to perform in fast-paced, agile and high-pressure environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• End-to-end procurement lifecycle experience
• MCIPS or relevant tertiary qualification (preferred)

Why NZDF?

Working at the New Zealand Defence Force means your work genuinely matters. You’ll contribute to programmes that support national security, capability development, and operational readiness.

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