Procurement and Commercial Specialist

Mō te tūnga | About the role
Defence Commercial Services provides professional commercial and procurement expertise to the NZDF, to support its ‘end-to-end' operational objectives, ensuring compliance with procurement planning, sourcing, contracting, and contract management policies.
In this role, you will deliver procurement outcomes to support the full procurement lifecycle with a strategic focus, to support complex and engaging procurement and commercial projects. You will work to minimise risk and maximise public value; ensuring outcomes are aligned to the NZDF's strategic objectives and capability requirements as well as meeting requirements of NZ Government Procurement Rules.
You will support stakeholders across the Capability and Logistics portfolio, which is responsible for developing a consolidated and focused logistics organisation that influences outcomes across the NZDF's Maritime, Land, Air, Supply Chain, Equipment Management, and Shared Services environments.
The portfolio is accountable for sustainment of capability development, delivery, and management oversight across NZDF within the Land, Aerospace, Maritime, and Information domains through the Defence Capability Management System. Partnering with a diverse range of stakeholders, you will help deliver commercial and procurement solutions that enable capability acquisition, sustainment, and operational effectiveness across the Defence Force. You will work closely with customers to deliver outcomes that align with organisational priorities and support critical defence capabilities.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
We're looking for an outstanding team player with a proven track record in the delivery of procurement and commercial outcomes, and a demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with customers and key stakeholders. Our priority is to recruit someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about procurement, brings strong commercial acumen, and is committed to delivering exceptional customer outcomes.
You'll enjoy and excel at delivering exceptional results, putting the needs of the customer at the centre of everything you do, whilst aligning your deliverables to NZDF's strategic and operational objectives.
Your excellent written and verbal communication skills will enable you to engage confidently with a diverse range of stakeholders and produce high-quality documentation. You will be agile, innovative, solutions-focused, and comfortable navigating complex challenges. Most importantly, you will demonstrate strong personal integrity, sound judgement, and a commitment to NZDF values.
You will have a sound understanding and demonstrable experience of the end-to-end procurement lifecycle process, including practical experience applying the NZ Government Procurement Rules and procurement best practice across a range of direct and indirect categories. Experience supporting procurement and commercial activities within a Capability and Logistics environment would be highly advantageous. Previous public sector experience is desirable but not essential. You'll be resilient under pressure, able to remain calm in challenging situations, and demonstrate empathy and professionalism in your interactions with others.
Occasional travel is required. Ideally you will have a Class 1 Full Driver's License.
If you are someone who brings solutions and fresh ideas, takes a holistic approach to problem-solving, focuses on delivering outcomes, anticipates implications, and builds strong working relationships with ease, then this could be your next career opportunity.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.
NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Applications close on Thursday 6 August 2026.
Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.
Please Note: * All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues. * Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description. * Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made. NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.
NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.
NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.
Please Note:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Higher Level Security Clearance * You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa. * At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years. * You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level. If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.