Commercial Portfolio Manager

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.

Commercial Portfolio Manager

• Key leadership position in the Commercial Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Lead a diverse portfolio of procurement including ICT
• Work in a highly motivated, collaborative and flexible environment

Lead, coach and inspire our customer focused commercial team who are passionate about the impact they have in helping the Ministry act in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Korero mo te turanga - About the role

Our highly respected Commercial Division provides innovative and flexible procurement services to support the Ministry's strategic goals, International Development Cooperation programme (NZ Aid Programme) and service improvement initiatives. We focus on delivering great outcomes through collaborative approaches and establishing strong business relationships. We are part of an integrated system that enables the Ministry to do great things in the world.

As one of our key commercial leaders, you will advocate for high quality procurement practice, excellent internal customer service, as well as driving strategic procurement and supplier relationship management across the Ministry. Your team take a business partnering approach, providing guidance and support to the Ministry who lead their own procurement.

As a Commercial Portfolio Manager, you will:

• Lead a team of customer focused commercial advisers who take pride in their ability to deliver excellence in the Ministry's commercial activities
• Develop a portfolio strategy for key Ministry business areas including ICT
• Develop and implement leading edge commercial strategies, processes and systems that will enable the Ministry to deliver real public value, both within Aotearoa New Zealand and across the globe
• Support the application of agreed commercial frameworks to activities globally delivered by or through external parties such as suppliers, NZ agencies, NGOs, partners and other Government or international organisations
• Utilise your procurement and leadership skills to make a real difference in the world

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here

The salary range for this role is $144,934 to $170,510 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

Ma wai te mahi nei? - Who are we looking for?

We are looking for self-starters with strong leadership and relationship management skills. The successful candidate will be customer-focused, approachable, and have a great attitude. They will be experienced in the practical application of procurement skills across a wide range of markets, and will bring with them a passion for delivering public value through great procurement practice.

We would like to hear from you if you are an experienced procurement professional and leader who can demonstrate that you have:

• Proven experience building and leading high performing and collaborative teams
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working as a manager or category lead in an ICT environment
• Strong commercial acumen and experience in the practical application of procurement skills across a wide range of markets
• A passion for delivering public value through great procurement practice

Ideally you will also have a good understanding of tikanga (Maori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Maori (the Maori worldview) into your work.

If you are just starting on this journey that's OK too - as long as you have a willingness to learn and a desire to develop your cultural capability. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, this is important to us and we offer training and support.

Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Aorere - Why MFAT?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options. Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here

Mo matou - About us

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous. By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand's interests and pursue New Zealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.

Me pehea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please contact recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance at Confidential level.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:

http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at 6pm on Monday 17th March 2025.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role. This is a `Corporate' role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be `posted' outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns