_{24th March, 2026}

Mō mātou| About us

Waikato Waters is a brand-new, publicly owned water utility bringing together water and wastewater services across the Waikato region — built from the ground up to deliver for communities today and for generations to come. 

Te tūranga | The role

As the Procurement Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all third‑party spend for Waikato Waters. You will ensure our procurement activities deliver the best total cost of ownership, support value‑for‑money outcomes, and mitigate commercial and reputational risks. This role leads category management, strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and contract performance across the organisation.  This is not a process role, it’s one where you will enable strategic commercial value and manage significant risk.  You will be the trusted expert across all levels of the business.

Ō mahi | What you’ll do

• Optimise procurement activities, identifying cost savings and value‑improvement initiatives while continuing to inform strategy and the reshaping of frameworks.
• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing and all market engagement processes with a strong relationship management focus
• Oversee evaluation activities to ensure robust commercial, technical and risk assessment
• Lead or direct commercial negotiations that secure favourable terms and long‑term value
• Oversee contract drafting, negotiation, variations, renewals and close‑out
• Develop and lead a small procurement team, building capability and confidence
• Maintain oversight of supplier performance, KPIs, service levels and risk
• Lead procurement risk management, assurance activities and supplier due diligence

Ō pūkenga | What you’ll bring

• A relevant qualification (e.g., commerce, supply chain) and significant experience in procurement, contract management, supplier negotiation and commercial contracting
• Strong knowledge of procurement law and practice, contract risk and supplier management best practice alongside experience in construction or infrastructure related procurement
• Experience managing complex, high‑value, multi‑party contracts
• People leadership experience with confidence in developing and motivating a small team

He aha ai mātou | Why join us

Waikato Waters is being built once — and you’d be part of that. He waka eke noa — we are all in this together. The work is real, the impact is visible, and the team we’re assembling is genuinely exceptional. We offer competitive remuneration, health insurance, and hybrid working where the role allows. To learn more about Waikato Waters visit: www.waikatowaters.co.nz

Me pēhea te tono | How to apply

Applications close 10th April 2026. To apply, visit www.sagely.co.nz. For a full position description or for a confidential chat contact Louise McLean on 027 247 9393.

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