Supplier Relationship Manager

About the role

The Department of Corrections in Wellington is hiring two permanent Supplier Relationship Managers to join its Procurement Team within Strategy and Corporate Services. These roles sit in the Contracts and Relationships group and focus on building strong supplier partnerships that support meaningful business outcomes.

You will manage a portfolio of national contracts and play a key role in shaping supplier strategy, maintaining productive supplier relationships, and ensuring contracts are actively managed. The work includes creating and carrying out supplier strategies, developing contract management plans, handling contract risks and issues proactively, and working closely with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers so that agreements continue to meet current and future business needs.

Because these contracts support the wider organisation, the role offers the chance to work across multiple parts of the business and help enable better outcomes through effective supplier engagement. One of the two positions will also oversee the organisation’s travel management contract and its relationship with the travel management company, so experience in travel contract management would be an advantage.

About you

You should bring strong relationship-building skills and be comfortable working with a wide range of people, including service providers, colleagues, and teams across the department. Experience in commercial contract management is important, along with knowledge of government procurement policies and processes. You will also need to provide practical advice on contract management and be able to identify service delivery challenges, opportunities, and problems, then turn them into sound strategies and solutions. Strong analytical, statistical, and numerical ability is also expected.

Location and work requirements

These are permanent roles based in Wellington. If you are currently living outside the region, your application will only be considered if you are prepared to relocate at your own cost. A current, clean driver licence is required, as occasional travel will be part of the job.

Salary

The midpoint salary is NZD 131,914 per year, and the full salary band is NZD 112,127 to NZD 158,297 per year. Final pay will depend on the skills and experience you bring to the position.

About the organisation

Ara Poutama Aotearoa, the Department of Corrections, works to improve public safety, reduce re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. The organisation is guided by the values of rangatira, manaaki, wairua, kaitiaki, and whānau, and uses these principles to support the Hōkai Rangi strategy.

The department values inclusion and diversity and aims to build a workforce that reflects the public it serves. It is committed to fair recruitment and encourages candidates to discuss any reasonable accommodations they may need.

Application requirements

Applications must be submitted through the organisation’s careers site; email applications will not be accepted. When applying, you should provide a tailored CV and a cover letter that explains your motivation for joining the department and highlights your relevant experience, skills, and alignment with the organisation’s work.

Additional information

There are two permanent openings in Wellington. Applications close on Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 11pm NZST. For questions or to learn more about working with the department, candidates may contact sarah.zagarelos@corrections.govt.nz.

One of the roles would benefit from experience in the travel industry, especially managing travel-related contracts.