Supplier Relationship Manager

Strategic supplier relationship management and governance across DSS commissioned providers
- Support contract managers to drive continuous improvement across commercial arrangements
- Improve relationships with disability providers and the wider market to deliver benefits to disabled people and improved commercial outcomes

This is your opportunity to improve supplier performance oversight, support contract managers, and shape best-in-class supplier relationship practices that align with DSS's commissioning goals.

**About our team | Mo te tima**:
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whanau.

We're building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.

We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we're committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.

It's an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.

We're looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.

**About the role | Mo te tunga**:
As Supplier Relationship Manager, you'll lead the development and execution of supplier management practices that ensure service quality, compliance, and alignment with DSS goals.

You'll manage relationships with strategic suppliers, oversee performance and governance, and support contract managers to deliver high-quality services. This role is key to enhancing supplier relationships and improving outcomes for disabled people.

**Key responsibilities include**:

- Lead supplier segmentation exercises and develop tailored management approaches
- Maintain up-to-date analysis of key suppliers to anticipate and manage risk
- Lead cross-agency engagement with common providers for consolidated oversight
- Enhance provider market relationships and improve DSS's reputation
- Support contract managers with customised supplier relationship strategies
- Implement supplier governance and support senior-level engagement
- Oversee supplier delivery against contractual and performance standards
- Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvement
- Collaborate with internal teams to align supplier performance with commissioning outcomes
- Resolve disputes and escalated supplier issues through negotiation and problem-solving

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

**What you bring | Ou pumanawatanga**:

- A deep understanding of supplier management principles and performance frameworks
- Substantial knowledge of commissioning and organisational operations
- Proven relationship-building and communication skills, with experience managing suppliers in complex environments
- Proven ability to engage senior stakeholders, including CEOs and senior officials
- Strong analytical skills to interpret supplier data and assess risk
- Ability to assess financial performance and support risk identification
- Effective problem-solving and negotiation skills, with a track record of improving supplier outcomes
- Understanding of procurement legislation and ethical standards
- Experience supporting supplier lifecycle activities (onboarding, renewals, exits)

**Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tunga**:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Supplier Relationship Manager position description

**Salary | Utu-a-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00**

**Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te: Thursday 9 October 2025.**

**About us | Mo matou**:
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, whanau 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.

**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.

**Joining us | Ko te hono mai**:
Joining MSD means being part of a whanau 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.