Director Procurement Excellence

Mo te tunga | About the role

The Director Procurement Excellence is a newly formed strategic senior leadership role within Defence Commercial Services (DCS). Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will make a significant contribution to improving the overall capability and effectiveness of DCS and the NZDF's procurement and commercial functions.

You will play a crucial role in developing and implementing procurement policies, frameworks and processes to achieve continuous improvement and consistency in commercial practices across the NZDF. You will be accountable for overall assurance of the NZDF's contract management practices and provide expertise to business units to enhance contract management capabilities.

This is an exciting opportunity to make this new role your own and establish a new Centre of Procurement Excellence team which will be made up of up to three teams in the following areas: Information and Insights, Procurement Practices and Contract and Supplier Management. You will have three reports to start with, so while you establish yourself in this new role you will also have the opportunity to establish and grow your team and the Procurement Excellence function.

This role is based at Defence House in Wellington CBD. You will need to work primarily in the office to be available to senior leaders and enable effective stakeholder engagement. Once you are established in the role you may be able to work from home up to two days a week.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience

You will be an influential leader with experience in continuous improvement, change management and procurement best practice. You will have a strong record of commercial success, with the ability to build a deep understanding of organisation strategic goals and use your systems thinking to translate these into commercial strategies and achievable objectives.

You will have:

• Advanced inter-personal and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build rapport and trust quickly.
• Experience leading a team is essential, while experience establishing a new team would be advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of leading practice in continuous improvement and organisational excellence.
• Experience with programme management and leading long-term continuous improvement programmes.
• Extensive experience in leading procurement programmes or projects and managing the performance of suppliers and contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of procurement and contracting frameworks and process development.

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 17 February 2025.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, which may require NZDF to propose changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. As we progress through the WSP, we will be communicating with our people about any potential impact on roles and structures. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP, and any subsequent proposed change process, is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.