About The Role

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and influential Principal Advisor – Commercial Management to provide strategic commercial leadership across the Planning System Transformation Programme - fixed term to 30 June 2028.

As the Principal Advisor – Commercial Management, you will lead the development and implementation of commercial strategies, delivery models, and supplier approaches that support the successful delivery of complex and strategically significant programmes.

You will provide expert commercial advice across investments and commercial arrangements, helping shape decisions that maximise value for money, manage risk, and strengthen stewardship of public resources. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you will influence commercial direction, support supplier partnerships, and strengthen commercial capability across the programme.

This is a senior thought leadership role for a commercial professional who thrives in complex environments and can confidently influence strategic decision-making, shape commercial approaches, and drive value from significant public investments. You will work closely with programme leaders, procurement specialists, finance and legal teams, suppliers, and senior stakeholders to ensure commercial arrangements support successful programme outcomes and deliver long-term public value.

As a recognised leader in your field, you will bring a strong understanding of government systems, commercial best practice, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, while contributing to a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will bring a combination of strategic commercial expertise, leadership capability, and strong relationship management skills including:

Significant experience providing commercial leadership in complex government, infrastructure, transformation, or large-scale programme environments.
Proven experience developing commercial strategies, supplier approaches, delivery models, and investment recommendations.
Strong understanding of commercial governance, supplier relationship management, risk management, assurance, and value realisation.
Experience working across the lifecycle of significant commercial arrangements to achieve strategic and operational outcomes.
Experience delivering large-scale, complex initiatives and influencing strategic outcomes.
Ability to synthesise complex information and translate evidence into practical, high-quality advice.
Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior stakeholders.
Experience working collaboratively across procurement, finance, legal, policy, and programme delivery functions.
Strong communication and engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with suppliers, government agencies, industry partners, and external stakeholders.
A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentoring and developing others.
Demonstrated commitment to supporting the Crown–Māori relationship and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in a nationally significant transformation programme, influencing strategic investment decisions and helping deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders. You'll join a team committed to excellence, collaboration, and public service, where your expertise will help shape commercial strategy, build organisational capability, and ensure strong stewardship of public resources.

Apply now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

If you require further information about this position, please contact Sally Morison at [email hidden].

We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch at [email hidden] .

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

If you are internal at MCERT please speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Applications close: Sunday 6th September 2026