Principal Procurement Lead

• Full-time, permanent position
• Based in Te Ikaroa | Central Region

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

The Principal Procurement Lead provides strategic leadership and expert advice on regional procurement and commissioning activities, ensuring compliance with Health NZ policies, Government Procurement Rules, and the Public Finance Act. The role involves developing and implementing best-practice processes, particularly for whānau Māori, delivering quality assurance and mentoring across funding and planning teams, and adapting national strategies to regional needs. Collaboration is essential, as the position works with internal teams and health sector partners to influence funding and planning decisions that impact Hauora Māori outcomes.

About the Team/Service

As the Hauora Māori Service of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) our core role is to ensure New Zealanders have better and more timely access to health care. The devolution of resources and decision making to the regions ensures those closest to service users and whānau are involved in decisions on how healthcare is delivered. We are committed to ensuring our operating model is responsive to the needs of Māori.

About you

With a proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and mentor teams, you consistently deliver best-practice procurement solutions. Your professional knowledge, complemented by experience in complex stakeholder environments, enables you to influence policy and implement national strategies at a regional level. Additionally, your deep understanding of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches ensures equity-focused outcomes and culturally responsive procurement strategies that drive impactful results.

You will have:

• Experience in procurement, business, commerce or related field with at least 8 years' experience in a similar role within a large organisation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft key governance documents and materials
• Knowledge and practical experience in applying Government Procurement rules issued by Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment
• Proven analytical skills and problem-solving skills, with experience in the health sector considered an advantage

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 6 January 2026. We may begin interviewing suitable candidates while recruitment is ongoing. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong on

Due to the December holiday period, this advert will remain open for an extended duration. Screening and interviews will commence from mid-January. We appreciate your patience and look forward to connecting with you in the new year.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.