Our Downer Infrastructure Delivery team is proud to be part of the transformative Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) Highway Project. We're seeking a dynamic Procurement Lead to support strategic procurement delivery within the Ō2NL South Alliance.
About Ō2NL:
The Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway will dramatically improve safety, resilience, and efficiency, as well as increasing transport choices for the area’s growing population. The Ō2NL project is led in Partnership with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and council partner Horowhenua District Council.
This transformative project is being delivered using a two-alliance approach, with each alliance delivering a section of the road and associated works. Together alliance partners are working to create a positive legacy for the region, led by our project principles to tread lightly with the whenua and create an enduring legacy. We are seeking excellent people for this unique opportunity to work and collaborate with leading industry organisations.
Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity
As Procurement Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving strategic procurement across the Ōtaki to North of Levin South Alliance. You’ll ensure that goods, services, and subcontractor engagements are sourced efficiently, ethically, and in alignment with our commercial strategy, alliance objectives, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
In this leadership position, you’ll also champion capability-building, foster cross-functional collaboration, and lead continuous improvement—shaping a high-performing, inclusive, and future-focused procurement function.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement procurement strategies that support alliance delivery and commercial goals.
- End-to-End Procurement: Oversee market engagement, tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award processes.
- Team Development: Build and mentor a high-performing procurement team, fostering capability and professional growth.
- Governance & Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities meet alliance policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, finance, and delivery teams to support project performance and drive value-for-money outcomes. Inclusive Engagement: Partner with iwi, hapū, and local suppliers to embed culturally respectful and inclusive procurement practices.
This role is based on-site at the Ōtaki South Alliance Office, so you’ll need to be located locally — or willing to relocate — within a commutable distance (no more than an hour from the project site).
Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills
- Tertiary qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, Commerce, or a related field.
- Membership or eligibility for membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., CIPS, NZPICS) preferred.
- Extensive procurement leadership experience in large-scale infrastructure or construction projects, with exposure to alliance, PPP, or collaborative delivery models being an advantage.
- Commercial acumen, with expertise in tendering, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
- Strong understanding of procurement principles, contract law, and commercial risk, combined with familiarity with New Zealand construction standards and procurement regulations.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to align procurement decisions with long-term project goals. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the resilience to adapt in a dynamic project environment.
Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here
Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:
- Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
- Internal promotion encouraged, training and development on offer
- Discounts for insurance, retail stores, gym memberships and more!
Have a look at our other great benefits here!
Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation
Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!
Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! The reference number for this role is 723735 .
We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.
