Senior Procurement Specialist

About the role

Join a high-performing procurement function within Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities and take on a role that shapes sourcing decisions across the organisation. This permanent position is based in Auckland or Christchurch and offers the chance to influence procurement strategy, manage complex sourcing work, and deliver outcomes that create value for communities across New Zealand.

In this position, you will lead procurement activity end to end across a portfolio of projects. Your work will include developing sourcing approaches, running market engagement processes, negotiating with suppliers, and managing relationships to support quality, cost-effective outcomes. You will also work closely with internal teams to understand business needs and turn them into practical procurement solutions.

The role combines strategic input with hands-on delivery. You will contribute to category management, help improve procurement systems and processes, and ensure work is aligned with value for money, quality, and compliance requirements. The environment is busy and fast-moving, so the ability to stay organised while balancing multiple priorities will be important.

What you will do

• Lead procurement and sourcing activity from initial planning through to contract and supplier management.
• Help shape procurement strategy and support category management initiatives.
• Build trusted relationships with internal stakeholders across the organisation.
• Work with suppliers through engagement, negotiation, and ongoing management.
• Contribute to process and system improvements that strengthen procurement performance.
• Deliver outcomes that balance commercial value, quality, and compliance.

What you will bring

• Proven experience managing end-to-end procurement and sourcing work, ideally in complex or large-scale settings.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers.
• Confidence operating in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and priorities.
• Commercial judgement, including experience with sourcing strategy, negotiations, and supplier management.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to align people around a common outcome.
• A proactive, practical approach and the ability to balance strategy with delivery.
• Experience in construction or infrastructure procurement would be an advantage, though it is not essential.
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.

What’s on offer

• Permanent full-time role based in Auckland or Christchurch.
• Five weeks of annual leave.
• Insurance benefits as part of the package.
• Competitive salary.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Career development support, including on-the-job learning, training, secondments, and study opportunities.

About Kāinga Ora

Kāinga Ora works at the centre of Aotearoa New Zealand’s housing system, helping shape how people live now and in the future. The organisation is focused on building a high-performing future, supporting tenants with warm and well-maintained homes, and creating better ways of working through modern tools, simpler processes, and growth opportunities for its people.

Values

• Manaakitanga – people at the heart.
• Mahi Tahi – better together.
• Whanake – be bold.

Additional information

This role is open to applicants who can follow the organisation’s standard online application process. Applications close at 11:55pm on Thursday 18 June 2026, though applications may be reviewed as they are received and suitable candidates may be progressed before the deadline.

Kāinga Ora is committed to diversity, inclusion, and respectful working relationships, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.