Practice Lead- Procurement Practices

We’re partnering with the New Zealand Defence Force to recruit a Practice Lead – Procurement Practices during an exciting period of continued evolution within Defence Commercial Services (DCS). This is a rare opportunity to build on a strong procurement foundation and lead the ongoing development of governance, capability, assurance, and continuous improvement across one of NZ's largest public sector organisations

About the role

Leading a specialist team, you’ll be responsible for shaping and advancing procurement frameworks, governance processes, capability programmes, and assurance activities that enable consistent, high-quality procurement outcomes across Defence. You will also lead the overarching programme of work that brings these elements together, ensuring alignment, momentum, and sustained impact across the system.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the evolution and continuous improvement of procurement frameworks, tools, templates, and guidance materials to support enterprise-wide consistency and performance
• Drive procurement governance, assurance, audit, and probity activities that strengthen confidence, transparency, and informed decision-making
• Lead the end-to-end programme of work for procurement practices—ensuring initiatives are connected, prioritised, and effectively implemented across Defence
• Develop and embed procurement capability frameworks, training programmes, and professional development initiatives, with a strong focus on mentoring, coaching, and growing the capability of others
• Provide expert advice on procurement policy, risk, compliance, and best practice in complex and high-value environments
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of procurement specialists, while fostering a connected and collaborative community of practice across Defence
• Use procurement insights and data to identify improvement opportunities and enhance organisational capability and performance
• Stay connected to leading practice and emerging trends, translating these into practical, fit-for-purpose approaches that continue to lift procurement maturity
• Represent NZDF in cross-government forums and contribute to the ongoing development of public sector procurement practice
• Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and the ongoing maturity of procurement practices across Defence

About you

You are an experienced procurement leader who enjoys building capability, influencing change, and strengthening procurement outcomes at an organisational level. You are equally comfortable leading system-wide initiatives as you are coaching individuals and teams to lift performance.

You will bring:

• 5+ years' experience in strategic procurement, commercial, governance, or procurement excellence roles
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand Government Procurement Rules and public sector frameworks
• Experience developing and evolving procurement policies, frameworks, and assurance programmes
• Proven people leadership experience, with a strong track record of mentoring, coaching, and developing others
• Ability to lead complex programmes of work and ensure alignment across multiple initiatives and stakeholders
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills
• Sound procurement and contract management expertise
• MCIPS, relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience

Why NZDF?

Working at the New Zealand Defence Force offers the opportunity to contribute to work that has a real impact. You’ll play a key role in advancing procurement capability across a large and complex organisation, working alongside senior leaders to build on strong foundations and continue lifting performance, consistency, and value delivery across Defence.

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, you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa
• Have lived continuously for the last 10 years in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States
• Have a 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