Principal Policy Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead complex and high impact policy work
• Shape the strategic direction of government procurement and influence system wide outcomes
• Permanent, full-time opportunity located in our Wellington office
• Salary: $132,417 - $160,472 + KiwiSaver + Wellbeing Benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We have an excellent opportunity for a Principal Policy Advisor to join New Zealand Government Procurement, a branch within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Every year, government agencies spend around $51.5 billion on goods and services to support the delivery of public services and infrastructure — for context that’s about 17% of GDP. We're not the ones doing the spending though. We develop the policy framework that guides procurement practice across government.

As a Principal Policy Advisor, you’ll be a senior strategic leader in our Policy team. You will partner with the Policy Manager to set the direction for our policy domain, lead the most complex and sensitive programmes of work, and provide authoritative advice that helps shape system-wide procurement outcomes.

We are embarking on an exciting programme of work with a focus on achieving public value and how governments procurement activities can deliver economic benefits for New Zealand.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

The successful candidate will possess the following experience:

• Ability to lead and shape complex, system level policy programmes – from strategic direction setting through to development, engagement, and
• implementation. 
• Expert ability to undertake complex policy analysis and provide authoritative, high quality, and strategically aligned policy advice on sensitive or high impact issues. 
• Extensive experience influencing and managing relationships with senior leaders, Ministers, and cross government stakeholders to drive outcomes and land advice effectively. 
• In depth understanding of the policy production process, Cabinet requirements, and cross government policy machinery, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, risk, and sensitive issues. 
• Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills, enabling you to guide thinking, influence decision makers, and lead high quality policy conversations. 
• Proven ability to provide intellectual and people leadership, including mentoring and supporting the development of senior advisors and advisors. 
• Strong knowledge of machinery of government, and the ability to integrate insights from across the public sector. 
• Must have the legal right to live and work in NZ.

Here at Government Procurement, we’re about transformation, progress, and helping to make change happen. If you're up for the challenge and ready to be part of a brighter, more positive future for New Zealand, come join us!

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Email Marie Manley at Marie.Manley3@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19207 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 31st March 2026, at 11:59pm.