Procurement Specialist

Role overview

Auckland Council’s Group Shared Services team plays a key role in enabling the parks, libraries, technology platforms, community facilities, and essential services that support Auckland. This position sits within the Operations & Technology Procurement team and offers the chance to contribute to a broad mix of indirect and operational services.

The role is suited to an experienced procurement professional who can help shape strategic sourcing activity, improve commercial outcomes, manage risk, and support more sustainable procurement decisions across the organisation.

What you will do

• Work with business teams to shape early procurement plans and develop sourcing strategies.
• Run procurement activity end to end across a wide range of indirect and operational service categories.
• Prepare procurement documents, assess supplier proposals, and manage competitive sourcing processes.
• Lead commercial discussions and help draft agreements that align value, risk, and service goals.
• Offer commercial guidance and market intelligence to support sound decision-making.
• Assist with contract rollout and supplier management to protect and grow long-term value.
• Take part in initiatives that improve procurement capability and ways of working across the organisation.

What we are looking for

You will be a commercially aware procurement specialist who enjoys working with stakeholders to solve complex issues. The ideal candidate builds strong working relationships, communicates clearly, and takes a practical approach to achieving successful outcomes.

We are looking for someone who is curious, takes initiative, and can challenge ideas constructively when needed. A collaborative style and a strong commitment to team success are essential.

• Demonstrated experience managing sourcing activities from start to finish in indirect and/or operational service categories.
• Experience in commercial contract negotiation and risk management.
• Well-developed stakeholder engagement and business partnering skills in a complex environment.
• Strong analytical ability, including cost evaluation, commercial assessment, and data-led decision making.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• A cooperative, customer-oriented approach with the ability to influence outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and flexibility.
• A proactive attitude and a focus on continuous improvement and team performance.

Qualifications and experience

• A degree or tertiary qualification in Procurement, Business, Commerce, Law, or a similar field.
• Background in strategic sourcing, commercial negotiation, and contract management.
• Working knowledge of modern procurement approaches, including sustainable procurement and supplier innovation.
• Strong commercial judgment and the ability to balance value, risk, and service delivery.

Why this role stands out

Procurement at Auckland Council is focused on creating better outcomes for the community, not just purchasing goods and services. This role offers the opportunity to work on important projects that support public services while building your career in one of New Zealand’s largest and most varied procurement environments.

Additional information

Auckland Council values different perspectives and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. If you do not meet every requirement but believe you can succeed in the role, your application is still encouraged. Skills gained through work, study, volunteering, or life experience will also be considered.