Director Procurement, Wellington
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Department of Corrections

Director Procurement

  • Posted Today
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Wellington

Job Description

About this role


  • Shape strategic procurement for one of NZ's largest public agencies
  • Drive complex commercial negotiations and strategic supplier partnerships
  • Lead procurement that supports better outcomes for New Zealanders


Ara Poutama Aotearoa is looking for an experienced procurement leader to join our Strategy & Corporate senior leadership team.


Mō te tūnga | About the role


Procurement at Ara Poutama Aotearoa plays a critical role in enabling frontline services and supporting better outcomes for the people, whānau and communities we serve. As Director Procurement, you will lead the procurement function for one of New Zealand's largest public sector organisations. Joining the Strategy & Corporate senior leadership team, you will influence significant commercial decisions, strengthen partnerships with suppliers, including iwi-affiliated providers, and government agencies, and help deliver the outcomes of Hōkai Rangi through effective procurement and commissioning practices.


You will lead a team responsible for procurement strategy, commissioning, market engagement, category and contract management, and complex procurement delivery. Through your leadership, you will help ensure the Department makes sound commercial decisions, delivers value for money, manages risk effectively, and maintains strong supplier and sector relationships.


A key aspect of the role is supporting the delivery of Hōkai Rangi by enabling effective commissioning approaches, which could include with iwi and Māori providers, and building a procurement function that contributes to positive long-term outcomes.


Mōu | About you


You are a strategic and influential leader of leaders with significant experience leading procurement or commercial functions within a large, complex organisation. You are known for providing trusted commercial advice, leading complex procurement activity, and developing capable teams that deliver high-quality outcomes in challenging environments. You will have highly developed commercial acumen, with the ability to balance value, risk, service delivery outcomes, and long-term strategic objectives, alongside a proven ability to negotiate complex commercial arrangements and influence successful outcomes with suppliers, partners, and senior stakeholders.


You will also understand the unique responsibility that comes with public sector procurement and be motivated by the opportunity to influence better outcomes for New Zealanders through the decisions you make.


Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience


To be successful in this role you will bring and demonstrate:


  • Demonstrated success developing and implementing procurement strategies that deliver value for money, support organisational priorities, and contribute to broader public sector outcomes.
  • Proven experience leading significant, high-risk or high-value procurement activities while ensuring strong governance, probity, and compliance.
  • Strong understanding of New Zealand Government Procurement Rules and public sector legislative, accountability, and regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior leaders, government agencies, suppliers, iwi, and sector partners to achieve shared outcomes.
  • Experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in decision-making and working in partnership with iwi, Māori organisations, and communities.
  • Successful track record of leading through leaders, building organisational capability, and creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.


Experience working within the public sector is preferred; however, candidates from large commercial or vendor organisations who have partnered extensively with government and understand public sector procurement expectations will also be considered.


Ngā painga | The benefits


The midpoint of the salary range is $249,312 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $211,916 - $299,175 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.


Mō mātou | About us


Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.


We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.


Tono ināianei | Apply Now


To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.


When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.


Applications close on: Sunday 18 th October 2026


If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact maria.papp@corrections.govt.nz , or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.


We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.

Desired Hard Skills

  • Contract Management
  • Commercial Negotiations
  • Compliance
  • Governance
  • Procurement Strategy

Desired Soft Skills

  • Accountability
  • Collaboration
  • Influencing
  • Leadership
  • Strategic Thinking

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • 🤱 Extended Parental Leave
  • 🧕 Inclusive Workspace
  • ⚖ Work-Life Balance Support
  • 💚 Counselling Services
  • 🌿 Wellness Program
  • 🏥 Subsidised Health Insurance
  • 📈 Professional Development
  • 🛂 Visa Sponsorship
  • 🏎 Competitive Salary
  • 🎖 Long Service Rewards
  • ⛑ Uniform Provided
View All
  • 🧠 Neurodiverse
  • 🏃 Women Leadership
  • 🤝 Unionisation
  • 🙌 Community Focused

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