Principal Procurement Specialist- Military Capability

We’re partnering with the New Zealand Defence Force to appoint a Principal Procurement Specialist into a high-profile team delivering some of New Zealand’s most complex and strategically significant defence procurement.

This is an opportunity for a commercially astute procurement professional to operate at the intersection of strategy, complex commercial negotiations and military capability, working alongside senior military and civilian stakeholders to shape acquisitions with genuine operational impact.

If you can confidently engage with senior leaders, navigate complex commercial environments and get into the detail when required, this is a role where your expertise will have real influence.

About the role

You’ll lead complex acquisition and procurement activity supporting NZDF-led military capability projects and the enabling portfolio supporting Veteran Affairs, Defence College, Health Directorate just to name a few . You will work in conjunction with Procurement & Commercial Practice Lead and Commercial Portfolio Manager (CPM) across the full procurement lifecycle from strategy and market engagement through to negotiation, evaluation and contract outcomes.

This is not a purely strategic or advisory role. You’ll be hands-on, deeply embedded in projects while also providing senior commercial advice and strategic direction.

In this role you will:

• Leading complex procurement and acquisition activities across military capability and enabling portfolio work programmes.
• Developing procurement and commercial strategies for high-value, complex projects.
• Leading tender and acquisition processes, including market engagement, evaluation and negotiation.
• Negotiating complex acquisition and support agreements. That deliver commercial value for the New Zealand Defence Force.
• Providing senior commercial advice to military and civilian stakeholders.
• .
• Participating in user, system and multi-criteria decision-making workshops.
• Providing commercial input across the Defence Capability Plan and major capability initiatives.
• Working alongside joint acquisition partners and international defence stakeholders.
• Sharing expertise and mentoring senior procurement professionals.

About you:

We’re looking for someone with genuine commercial depth, procurement credibility and strong influencing skills..

You will need to be able to operate at varying tempos to align with the demands of the business ..

Over time, you’ll become a trusted commercial adviser – someone senior stakeholders turn to for sound judgement on complex procurement and commercial matters.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading complex procurement and commercial negotiations.
• Strong understanding of acquisition, supply and commercial contracting.
• Strong commercial acumen that drives optimal decision making
• Confidence engaging, challenging and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience operating in complex, highly regulated or politically sensitive environments.
• The ability to move comfortably between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery.
• Excellent judgement, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Why NZDF?

This is an opportunity to work on procurement that goes well beyond traditional government. procurement

You’ll be exposed to complex military capability programmes and work alongside highly experienced professionals across NZDF, contributing to projects that will shape New Zealand’s defence capability into the future.

Additional Information

• Pre-employment drug testing is required.
• A NZDF Police Clearance is required.
• The successful candidate must obtain and maintain the appropriate government security clearance.

Please Note

This role requires occasional domestic and international travel, you will need to have a Class 1 Full Driver’s Licence.

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the New Zealand Defence Force, you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen, or hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or 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 of America.
• 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