About this role
<p> </p> <ul> <li>Help shape the future of procurement at MSD</li> <li>Full-time, fixed term or secondment opportunity to February 2027</li> <li>Based in Wellington Central</li> </ul> <p> </p><div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:18.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>About the team | Mō te tīma</b></H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p>At the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), our Procurement and Commercial Services team plays a pivotal role in sourcing the goods and services that keep our organisation moving. We are a high‑performing, future‑focused team with a strong culture, a clear vision, and a track record of delivering meaningful impact.</p> <p> </p> <p>With several major initiatives underway across MSD, we are growing our capability. If you’re a procurement professional who thrives on challenge, collaboration, and delivering results that matter for communities, we want to hear from you.</p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:18.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>About the role | Mō te tūnga</b></H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p>As a Senior Commercial Specialist, you will lead MSD’s significant, high‑value procurement projects - work that directly supports our mission to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.</p> <p> </p> <p>You will bring strategic insight, commercial expertise, and confident leadership to every stage of the procurement lifecycle, from early planning and market engagement through to negotiation and contract award.</p> <p> </p> <p>In this role, you will:</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Drive sourcing planning for high‑impact initiatives</li> <li>Lead complex, high-value procurements and mentor colleagues to lift capability across MSD</li> <li>Negotiate with suppliers to deliver maximum public value</li> <li>Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the sector</li> <li>Influence strategic outcomes that support MSD’s priorities and deliver for communities</li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:18.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>About you | Mōu</b></H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p>You are a confident influencer who thrives in complex environments and knows how to bring people together to achieve results. You will bring:</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Extensive experience leading medium to high‑value procurement projects</li> <li>Deep knowledge of sourcing strategies and procurement best practice</li> <li>Strong negotiation skills and commercial judgement</li> <li>Coaching and mentoring capability to support others while driving outcomes</li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:18.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga</b></H2> </div><div><p> </p> <p>A copy of the position description can be found here. <a title="" href="https://www.msd.govt.nz/hr/documents/position-descriptions/dce-people-and-capability/commercial-operations/senior-commercial-specialist.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Senior Commercial Specialist, position description</a></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:18.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $118,288.00 - $143,647.00</b></H2> </div><div></div></div></div><p> </p> <h3><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><strong>Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: </strong>11.59pm, Wednesday 1 July 2026</span></h3> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><strong>About us | Mō mātou</strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <p>The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.</p> <p> </p> <p>We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.</p> <p> </p> <p>As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.</p> <p> </p> <p>Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.</p> <p> </p> <h3><strong>How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono</strong></h3> <p> </p> <p>Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. <a href="https://www.msd.govt.nz/hr/documents/position-descriptions/dce-people-and-capability/people/candidate-guidance-responsible-ai-use-in-recruitment.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment</a></p> <p> </p> <p>To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.</p> <p> </p> <p>Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.</p> <p> </p> <p>All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.</p> <p> </p> <h3><strong>Joining us | Ko te hono mai</strong></h3> <p> </p> <p>Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.</p> <p> </p> <p>We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values <a href="https://jobs.msd.govt.nz/MSD">here.</a></p> <p> </p> <p>If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.</p>