Senior Commercial Specialist, Wellington
Ministry of Social DevelopmentJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
MSD is seeking a Senior Commercial Specialist in Wellington to lead high value procurements, guide sourcing planning, negotiate for public value, and mentor colleagues across the procurement lifecycle. You will partner with senior stakeholders, influence strategic outcomes, and help grow MSD capabilities during a time of major initiatives. The role is full time, fixed term or secondment to February 2027, onsite in Wellington Central. Key requirements include extensive experience leading medium to high value procurements, deep sourcing knowledge, strong negotiation and commercial judgment, and coaching ability. To apply, tailor your cover letter to the key responsibilities, provide concrete examples, review the Candidate Guidance on Responsible AI use in recruitment, and submit online before 11.59pm 1 July 2026.
- Help shape the future of procurement at MSD
- Full-time, fixed term or secondment opportunity to February 2027
- Based in Wellington Central
About the team | Mō te tīma
At the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), our Procurement and Commercial Services team plays a pivotal role in sourcing the goods and services that keep our organisation moving. We are a high‑performing, future‑focused team with a strong culture, a clear vision, and a track record of delivering meaningful impact.
With several major initiatives underway across MSD, we are growing our capability. If you’re a procurement professional who thrives on challenge, collaboration, and delivering results that matter for communities, we want to hear from you.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As a Senior Commercial Specialist, you will lead MSD’s significant, high‑value procurement projects - work that directly supports our mission to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
You will bring strategic insight, commercial expertise, and confident leadership to every stage of the procurement lifecycle, from early planning and market engagement through to negotiation and contract award.
In this role, you will:
- Drive sourcing planning for high‑impact initiatives
- Lead complex, high-value procurements and mentor colleagues to lift capability across MSD
- Negotiate with suppliers to deliver maximum public value
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the sector
- Influence strategic outcomes that support MSD’s priorities and deliver for communities
About you | Mōu
You are a confident influencer who thrives in complex environments and knows how to bring people together to achieve results. You will bring:
- Extensive experience leading medium to high‑value procurement projects
- Deep knowledge of sourcing strategies and procurement best practice
- Strong negotiation skills and commercial judgement
- Coaching and mentoring capability to support others while driving outcomes
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Commercial Specialist, position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $118,288.00 - $143,647.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 11.59pm, Wednesday 1 July 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.