Commercial Lead

About the Position

The Commercial Lead will serve as a trusted strategic advisor to Biosecurity New Zealand, guiding commercial and operational achievements. This role encompasses managing a varied portfolio of programs and services, delivering expert leadership in commercial matters, identifying and mitigating strategic risks, and converting policy, compliance, and business requirements into actionable contracts and operational solutions.

This senior individual contributor role involves leading by influence, enhancing commercial skills organization-wide, collaborating with leadership to improve performance, fortify commercial practices, and support key Biosecurity initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Offer strategic commercial counsel aligned with organizational priorities and operational goals.
• Lead and enhance commercial thinking, capability, and best practices across Biosecurity New Zealand.
• Support significant programs, including those related to Plant Health.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships across the organization, providing advice to inform decisions and results.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and commercial outcomes across a broad contract portfolio.
• Translate policy, compliance, and business demands into tangible commercial and operational solutions.
• Identify, assess, and escalate commercial and operational risks while offering assurance and guidance to leadership.
• Coach and mentor colleagues, drive process improvements, and promote stronger commercial practices throughout the organization.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses strong commercial judgment linking strategy with execution.
• Experienced in collaborating with leadership and managing complexity to support informed decision-making.
• Has background in commercial, procurement, contract management, operational delivery, or advisory roles within government, public sector, or similar complex organizations.
• Holds a tertiary qualification in business, commerce, law, finance, or related fields or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrates expertise in supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, risk oversight, and business outcome delivery.
• Skilled at translating policy, compliance, and business needs into effective operational solutions.
• Capable of establishing trusted partnerships with suppliers, strategic allies, and stakeholders, providing constructive challenges for improved decisions.
• Adopts a collaborative approach, self-awareness, and is dedicated to capability-building through coaching, mentoring, and sharing knowledge.
• Experienced in inspiring and motivating teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Exhibits strong strategic thinking, adept at navigating complex issues, influencing senior leaders, and delivering reliable advice in dynamic settings.
• Understands government procurement protocols, commercial frameworks, and comprehensive contract lifecycle management.

About the Team

The Biosecurity Commercial Management team in Wellington is a compact, high-performing group of four, consisting of a Commercial Lead, a Principal Adviser, and two Senior Advisers. The team collaborates closely with various departments within Biosecurity New Zealand and MPI, championing commercial excellence to support national biosecurity goals. The group values collaboration, knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and robust relationships, striving collectively to achieve impactful outcomes.

About the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)

MPI collaborates with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to establish the nation as the most trusted provider of premium food and fibre products globally. Its scope includes exploring export opportunities, enhancing sector productivity, guaranteeing food safety, promoting sustainable resource use, and safeguarding the country against biological threats.

Benefits

• Additional Ministry leave days.
• Annual Wellness payment.
• Opportunities for career growth and internal advancement within the organization and branch.

Additional Information

The organization is committed to honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi by collaborating closely with iwi, hapū, whānau, and community groups. MPI aspires to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves and encourages applications from people of varied backgrounds and identities. The Ministry strives to foster an inclusive workplace that welcomes all.

Applicants must hold or be eligible to obtain the right to work in New Zealand. The application deadline is 11:59 PM on 17th September.