Principal Advisor - Supplier Relationship Management

Are you a confident communicator who thrives in front of senior leaders and stakeholders?

Bring your strategic thinking ability to this newly created role

Permanent opportunity based in Wellington, but open to other locations

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Principal Advisor – Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) to champion strategic supplier engagement and drive commercial excellence. In this role, you’ll think strategically, see the bigger picture, and get things done—delivering results while adapting to changing priorities.

You’ll lead the development and implementation of SRM across our organisation, present and train with ease, and guide others in best practice. You’ll be self-leading, decisive, and comfortable having challenging conversations, always with a solutions-driven, partnership mentality. Your ability to build strong, meaningful relationships (internally and externally) will be key to your success.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for

Our ideal candidate will have some or all of the following (but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box):

• Confidence engaging with Senior Leadership Teams (SLT)
• Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture, while delivering outcomes
• Confident communicator, both verbally and in writing
• Comfortable presenting, training, and guiding others
• Decisive and self-leading
• Understands procurement, delivery, and infrastructure—and how they fit together
• Builds strong, meaningful relationships with peers, leaders, and external partners
• Delivers to timelines and manages multiple priorities
• Responsive, with great customer service
• Positive attitude and partnership mentality
• Commercial acumen—able to think critically about risks, concerns, and the bigger picture
• Comfortable with challenging conversations and a range of personalities/technical skills
• Solutions-driven, not combative; a good fit for the team
• Relevant industry experience

A copy of the position description can be found here.

Mō mātou | About Us

The Procurement function at NZTA is responsible for planning, sourcing, and managing the supply of external resources to NZTA. Procurement is an essential part of how NZTA delivers our critical business functions to support our strategic direction. Many functions of NZTA are performed, in full or part, using external suppliers and we are one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest public sector procuring agencies. NZTA is not only responsible for its own procurement requirements, but it also leads procurement practice across much of the land transport sector. 

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We’re searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment—and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here – valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees – you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual, the team, and the organisation. And whether it’s on-the-job experience, signing up to a course, coaching opportunities, or secondments to other roles within NZTA – you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications Close:

22 October 2025

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.