Principal Advisor - Purchasing and Contracting - Business Services - NPHS

• Lead the development of technical purchasing and contracting advice for the National Public Health Service
• Location: Auckland or Wellington
• Permanent, Full-Time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We have the opportunity available to join our Business Services team as a Principal Advisor in a permanent, full-time role.

The primary purpose of the role is to provide contracting and purchasing technical advice to teams in the National Public Health Service. This requires familiarity with commissioning models, and application of the NZ Government Procurement Rules, related policies, procedures and templates. The role also requires sound excel and reporting skills and an ability to easily interpret and manage financial spreadsheets, provide analysis and write high quality papers relating to purchasing, financials and contracts for decision-makers.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

You come with extensive experience in purchasing and contracting, including in providing advice and analysis in a health context. You can provide senior technical purchasing and contractual advice, in a range of formats for a range of audiences, to inform decision-making.  You will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience (e.g. Law, Finance, or Business)
• Extensive experience in procurement, purchasing and contracting, including in providing advice and analysis in a health context
• Extensive experience in an advisory role, applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options and provide advice
• Extensive experience with developing and managing excel spreadsheets and using it to inform analysis and advice
• Strong analytical skills combined with an ability to quickly assimilate new information, and to write and talk about complex issues clearly and concisely with a range of audiences
• An ability to build constructive and effective relationships with stakeholders to build a sound understanding of their operational environment and context
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail
• Proven organisational skills with the ability to think ahead, use initiative, establish priorities and meet deadlines whilst preserving high levels of accuracy and confidentiality

Working for 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 27 July 2025 If you have any questions about the role, please contact Elismha Lubbe at Elismha.Lubbe@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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