Strategic Procurement Specialist

Our Auckland Council Group Shared Services Procurement team has an opportunity for a Strategic Procurement Specialist to join the Operations Procurement team

As a Specialist, you will play a crucial role in optimizing our procurement practices and driving value for Auckland Council Group. You will work in partnership with business units to develop and execute procurement category strategies and plans while also building a pipeline of operations procurement initiatives. This role is intended for operations/indirect spend categories but is not limited to this area. This is a great opportunity to work in a large and complex organization and be exposed to a variety of high-profile projects.

You can expect to work on:

• Delivering a whole-of-life cost analysis approach for strategic operations procurement initiatives
• Monitoring supplier performance and managing supplier relationships to ensure compliance and continuous improvement, including facilitating workshops
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to provide expert advice on procurement processes
• Conducting market research including spend analytics and strategic response to identify potential suppliers

You will also look for sustainable and social procurement outcomes that can be achieved from the council group's procurement spend. You will focus on your customer and co-locate with them when necessary to complete strategic procurement activity including strategy/planning, sourcing, negotiations, and supporting contract and strategic supplier relationship management.

To be successful within this role, previous experience as a strategic procurement specialist or a similar role, preferably in government or related organizations that are large-scaled and complex, would be ideal. You will be a dynamic individual with the communication skills and capability to build relatable, effective, and influential relationships with stakeholders at all levels. The ideal candidate will have an analytical thought process paired with business acumen that will enable them to adapt and evolve within any environment.

We will also be looking for:

• Evidence of strong foundational sourcing knowledge, as this is key for the role
• Proven experience with supplier relationship management
• Confidence leading or running workshops for internal and external stakeholders
• Initiative, drive, and ability to independently manage the allocated procurement categories/initiatives

Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.7 million people. We are progressive socially, culturally, and environmentally while we work towards creating change having an impact on our journey to becoming a world-class city for our ratepayers and residents.

So, what's in it for you? You'll be immersed in a small and diligent team. You'll be exposed to all facets of banking/accounting and build your network across the council. This opportunity will allow you to actively participate in the development of yourself and the team to enhance your capability and influence.

We offer flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and varied learning and career progression opportunities across the wider Council group. You'll be joining a team of dedicated and respected experts working collaboratively across the region to contribute to Auckland's growth and development. We are committed to diversity, have a culture built on trust and valuing individual contributions, and are driven to provide the right outcomes for our customers and our environment.

You'll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, including discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts.

If you think you are a motivated go-getter with the requisite experience and skills to join this team, please apply today

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini. My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

You can find the position description here.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.