Procurement Specialist

About KiwiRail

KiwiRail is dedicated to connecting New Zealanders in a sustainable way, boosting economic growth and maintaining essential freight and passenger transportation services. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," reflects our commitment to sustainability and community care. Our team is exceptional due to its diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture encouraging innovation and safety.

Position Summary

The Procurement Specialist role delivers procurement leadership and assistance throughout KiwiRail, collaborating closely with the Procurement Category Manager. While ideally Wellington-based to support the Interislander team, candidates located in Auckland will also be considered. This position leads sourcing processes, shapes category strategies, manages vendor relationships, and ensures compliance with both internal procurement policies and government regulations. A critical component of this role is achieving value for money and integrating sustainable procurement practices aligned with KiwiRail’s Procurement Strategy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute category strategies, including detailed sub-category analyses, to meet KiwiRail’s procurement goals and savings targets.
• Manage full lifecycle sourcing activities such as market engagement, evaluation, negotiation, and contract finalization.
• Offer strategic procurement guidance and insights to various business units, prioritizing total cost of ownership and risk mitigation.
• Oversee supplier relationships to improve performance, value, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Ensure adherence to Government Procurement Rules and internal procurement policies.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and deployment of procurement strategies, policies, and initiatives for continuous improvement.

Required Competencies and Experience

• At least 5 years of procurement experience within medium to large organizations.
• Expertise in category management and modern procurement methodologies.
• Ability to analyze intricate data sets, build models, and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong skills in contract drafting, negotiation, and supplier management.
• Understanding of procurement risks, sustainability considerations, and government procurement regulations.
• Effective communication skills with stakeholders across all levels, including strong written communication.
• Self-starter with the capability to lead procurement projects independently.
• Ability to influence colleagues and cultivate collaborative relationships.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel for data analytics.
• Capability to pass regular drug and alcohol tests.
• Current valid New Zealand driver's licence.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent industry experience in fields such as engineering or transport.
• Possession of a CIPS qualification or similar is advantageous.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Competitive salary combined with a 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution.
• Five weeks of annual leave entitlement.
• Access to discounted travel, health insurance, savings on fitness and retail outlets, and holiday home usage in New Zealand and Australia through the Staff Welfare Trust.

Important Notes

Only applicants with current New Zealand work authorization will be considered. Drug and alcohol screening is part of the employment process.