Senior Procurement Specialist

Join us at New Plymouth District Council!

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!

Who are we? - Ko wai mātou?

New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is dedicated to serving our community and enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here. We are guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to fostering partnerships that respect and celebrate our district's rich cultural heritage. Through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we aim to deliver exceptional services and initiatives that support our vision of building a thriving, connected, and future-focused district. At NPDC, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity, and progress.

The opportunity - Te āheinga

As a result of NPDC's Organisation Transformation Review, a number of new teams and roles have been created, including the Project Management Office (PMO). NPDC has over $1B of capital projects to deliver over the next decade and the PMO plays a crucial role in delivering this significant investment efficiently and effectively for our community.

We are looking for an experienced procurement professional to fill our vacant Senior Procurement Specialist role. The role requires a broad skill base of an experienced procurement professional with well-rounded procurement and commercial skill sets reflective of the full procurement lifecycle. The role will provide specialist procurement expertise to support NPDCs organisational objectives and delivery of the capital plan and operational activities. The person in this role will also support the Procurement and Commercial Services Manager to further plan, design and develop innovative and best practice procurement processes.

Key responsibilities - Ngā haepapa matua:

• Actively engage with key stakeholders to promote the features and benefits of early procurement involvement
• Influence and drive collaboration between cross-functional stakeholders for the development and execution of Council-wide sourcing strategies to identify cost savings and value-for-money opportunities
• Facilitate strong partnerships between Council and its strategic suppliers
• Lead, develop and deliver procurement plans, tender documents, evaluation, recommendation reports and other procurement and contract administration documentation
• Serve as Chair to tender evaluation/moderation/consensus meetings
• Assist with continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives, always focusing on the elimination of waste and non-value add activities
• Actively contribute to the continuous review, development and improvement of systems, processes and services in support of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to procurement

Essential skills and experience - Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

You will ideally hold a Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification, or have significant procurement industry experience, with a track record of success in strategic procurement, contract negotiation, and supplier management.

We are seeking a candidate with the following:

• Experience managing large-scale procurement activities within the industries of Construction, Public Sector Services and/or Information Technology is strongly desired
• Experience of working on and leading collaborative procurement projects within a complex, multi-stakeholder operating environment
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with a proven ability to proactively develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strategic thinking ability and can effectively communicate and support putting strategy into action
• Outcome focussed with a proven ability to support a broad range of teams while balancing priorities
• A high degree of commercial acumen to drive better outcomes for both internal and external stakeholders
• Proven knowledge and experience in procurement practices with a minimum of four plus years in managing large tenders/contracts ($10M+)
• Experience in providing contract management services including monitoring performance, contract improvement, leading negotiations and delivering value add solutions
• Strong grasp of risk, legal and financial aspects of procurement and contracts including New Zealand's Government Procurement Rules

Desirable:

• Specific experience with e-Procurement systems
• Experience in embedding sustainability and broader outcomes considerations into sourcing and supply chain strategies
• Experience working with Kaupapa Māori, competency in Tikanga and a dedication to applying Te Ao Māori lens
• Experience working in a complex public facing environment with working knowledge of Local Government legislation

Why Taranaki? - He aha ngā hua o te rohe nei?

Taranaki is a region like no other, offering a perfect balance of career opportunities and lifestyle. Nestled between the stunning Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, it's a place where you can explore world-class hiking trails, surf pristine beaches, and enjoy vibrant arts and culture, all within minutes of each other. The region boasts affordable living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a bit of both, Taranaki provides an unparalleled quality of life that will make every day feel extraordinary.

What we offer - Ngā ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff.

This includes the following:

• Solid career pathways
• Learning and development opportunities
• Personal and professional growth
• 'Our Peoples Package' that spans wellbeing, development, benefits, culture and recognition

You can expect to start in this permanent, full-time role with a salary of between $103,138 - $111,159.

Why join us? - Ngā hua o tō hono mai?

We value the wellbeing of our team and provide an inclusive workplace that recognises and rewards your contributions. Together, we're building a better New Plymouth - one step at a time.

Applications close on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity.

Apply now and help us shape the future of New Plymouth!

Me tūhono mai koe kia tautoko I te Ngāmotu o āpōpō!