Procurement Specialist

He kōrero mō mātou | About Watercare

Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata

When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy

There's never been a better time to join Watercare. We're delivering a $15.2 billion, 10-year capital investment programme, the largest in our history, creating opportunities to work on transformative infrastructure, sustainability and digital projects that will shape Auckland's future. With more than $4 million invested every day, you'll be part of work that makes a lasting difference to our communities and environment.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role
As a Procurement Specialist, you’ll partner with stakeholders and suppliers to deliver effective, commercially sound procurement outcomes. Working alongside experienced procurement professionals, you’ll have the opportunity to build your capability while taking ownership of procurement activities and contributing to meaningful projects across Watercare.

In this role, you will:

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities, including market engagement and RFX and LAP planning and execution.
• Develop fit-for-purpose sourcing strategies that consider market capability, commercial opportunities, risk and stakeholder requirements
• Support category planning, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, value for money and commercial outcomes.
• Develop procurement documentation, including requirements, evaluation criteria, pricing schedules, RFx documentation and recommendation papers.
• Coordinate and support evaluation processes, including commercial analysis, moderation and supplier due diligence.
• Lead and support supplier negotiations, and contribute with contract drafting, award and implementation.
• Build effective supplier relationships and support constructive engagement with the market.
• Partner with stakeholders to understand their needs, challenge requirements where appropriate and provide practical and timely procurement and commercial advice.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with Watercare’s procurement policies, delegated authorities, probity requirements and governance processes.
• Identify, quantify and track procurement benefits, including cost savings, cost avoidance, efficiencies and broader value.
• Use data and market insights to support procurement decisions, category strategies and supplier negotiations.
• Contribute to procurement reporting, process improvements, templates and continuous improvement across the Procurement function.

Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | About you

You’re proactive, organised and commercially minded, with the confidence to build strong relationships across the business. You understand procurement fundamentals and are keen to continue developing your expertise in a large and complex environment.

You’ll bring:

• Around five years’ experience in procurement, supply chain or a related commercial environment.
• Experience with competitive procurement processes, including RFQs, RFPs or other market engagement approaches.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Good negotiation skills and an understanding of contracts and commercial terms.\
• Confidence working with stakeholders across different levels and disciplines.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple procurement activities at different stages.
• Sound commercial judgement and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines.
• Confidence working with Excel and procurement data.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn and develop.
• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or procurement qualification such as CIPS would be advantageous.

Ngā hua mōu | What's in it for you

We offer a competitive salary and staff benefits package including:
•    Training and development opportunities
•    Life and income protection insurance plans
•    Generous parental leave
•    Employee discounts at a range of large retailers

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

Come and join our team! If you are looking for an exciting career opportunity with a fantastic team then please apply online today - careers.watercare.co.nz.