Senior Procurement Specialist in Canterbury

As a Senior Procurement Specialist, you will play a key role supporting Kāinga Ora across a broad and diverse portfolio, including civil infrastructure (design & works), IT and corporate services. This is a generalist role requiring strong end‐to‐end procurement capability across multiple categories and the ability to move confidently between complex and competing priorities.

You will lead and deliver high‐impact procurement initiatives and category‐based sourcing projects, supporting the development and implementation of Kāinga Ora’s procurement strategy, frameworks and ways of working. Your work will ensure procurement activity aligns with the Government Rules of Sourcing and Auditor‐General guidelines, delivers measurable value for money, and stands up to public scrutiny.

Building and maintaining strong strategic relationships with internal stakeholders and key suppliers will be central to your success. You will develop sourcing strategies that reflect business needs, provide expert advice on procurement processes, risk management and commercial negotiations, and monitor and report on procurement performance against strategic plans and KPIs.

You’ll champion good‐practice procurement, including the use of e‐procurement tools and whole‐of‐life costing principles while contributing to the continuous improvement and maturity of Kāinga Ora’s procurement function.

Our ideal candidate would be Auckland based, however for the right candidate we would consider Wellington and Christchurch locations.

You will be a confident procurement generalist, comfortable operating across varied categories and stakeholder groups. You will also bring:

• Experience delivering procurement across civil infrastructure/construction, IT and/or corporate services portfolios
• A relevant tertiary qualification in business, procurement, law, logistics or equivalent experience
• MCIPS certification or equivalent procurement knowledge and experience
• Demonstrated experience working in a centralised procurement environment
• Proven success leading complex, high‐value procurement projects
• Strong planning, organisational and self‐management skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing capability
• Ability to quickly build effective relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• A strategic mindset with the ability to work through detail when required
• A professional, focused and resilient approach, remaining calm under pressure

To view the position description and apply for this role, please apply online via https://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz. All applicants, including existing employees, must apply through the online process. If you have any questions about this role, please contact Kaingaora.recruit@kaingaora.govt.nz.

Applications close at 11:55pm, Tuesday 19th May 2026. Please note: applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may close the role candidates prior to the advertised closing date.

Kāinga Ora values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your unique perspective brings to our organisation.