Principal Commercial Specialist, Wellington

Join a collaborative and engaging team

Wellington based role

Fixed term or secondment opportunity (8-12 months)

About the team Mō te tīma

The Procurement and Commercial Services team helps MSD to purchase a wide range of products and services. We are an established team with a great culture, and a great vision for success. Due to several exciting initiatives within MSD that Procurement will be supporting, we need to bring on additional procurement super stars to help our delivery.

About the role Mō te tūnga

You will be focused on leading and managing our most complex commercial work and overseeing a range of portfolio activities. This will be achieved by:

Developing and delivering portfolio and sourcing strategies that meet the needs of stakeholders and align with MSD’s strategic direction

Negotiating and reviewing the adequacy of contractual terms and commercial benefits to ensure supplier goals align with organisational needs

Building collaborative relationships with suppliers to drive strategic value beyond pricing

Leading and managing relationships at all levels including, those external to the organisation

What you bring Ōu pūmanawatanga

Extensive senior commercial procurement experience

Proven leadership skills and management of diverse project teams

Expertise in change management and implementing best practice

Robust supplier management acumen that enables collaborative work between the ministry and its suppliers

Sound understanding of the Machinery of Government and government procurement policy

This role mentors others to share best practice and experience and provides support to relevant stakeholders. It’s imperative that you are an adaptable and pragmatic person with a strong client focus.

Position Description He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Commercial Specialist position description

Salary Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

Applications close Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 2 November 2025

About us Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development 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 and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

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

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, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

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.