Procurement & Contracts Advisor

Help shape Nelson’s future. Lead with expertise. Make a difference.

We’re looking for a proactive, solutions-focused professional who can support our people to navigate procurement and contract management with confidence and achieve great outcomes.

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. That includes customer experience, data and digital, asset planning, economic development, and contract and programme delivery, to name just a few. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

This isn’t a one-off change. It’s the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we’d love you to help build it.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

We are Wakatū Nelson, a city where creativity, prosperity, and innovation thrive. Our vision is to foster a community that is inclusive, resilient, and deeply connected. Here we prioritize caring for one another and our city, building a vibrant and supportive place for everyone.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is an exciting part-time opportunity (24 hours/ 5 days per week) for a procurement professional to provide practical procurement and contract management advice across Council. You’ll work alongside business units and project teams, supporting them from procurement planning through to contract delivery and close-out. You’ll help our people achieve value for money, manage risk and deliver positive outcomes for our community.

In this role, you'll

• Provide practical advice on procurement planning, sourcing approaches, documentation, evaluations and approval requirements
• Coordinate procurement activity and support more complex or higher-risk procurements under agreed specialist or leadership direction
• Support contract owners to manage obligations, records, performance, variations, renewals and contract close-out
• Maintain procurement and contract management processes, templates, guidance and training material
• Build staff capability and confidence through practical training, coaching and accessible guidance
• Prepare and analyse procurement and contract activity reporting and identify opportunities for improvement.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll be an experienced procurement practitioner who combines practical commercial knowledge with clear communication, sound judgement and a collaborative approach. You’ll be comfortable advising and coaching others, recognising commercial and probity risks, and knowing when specialist advice or higher approval is needed.

What you’ll bring

Demonstrated procurement advisory or coordination experience at an intermediate practitioner level, including practical post-award contract administration or management support

The ability to apply procurement processes proportionately and recognise commercial and probity risks

Experience providing clear written and verbal advice, practical coaching and constructive challenge

Confidence using Microsoft Office and procurement, contract or business information systems

A relevant tertiary or professional qualification in procurement, supply chain, business, commerce or a related field, or equivalent relevant practical experience.

Professional membership or development in procurement or contract management, experience in public-sector or local-government procurement, infrastructure or professional-services contracts, and digital workflow or reporting improvement experience are desirable.

This role is 24 hours per week spread across 5 days, Monday - Friday.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives

A fully subsidised health insurance scheme

A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development opportunities

Access to various employee benefits and discounts

Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future

Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Midnight Sunday 8 November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

For questions relating to the role, please reach out to Michael deLautour, Head of Enterprise Programme Management - [email protected].