Government Procurement Graduate Programme

About the role

The New Zealand Government Procurement Graduate Programme is a two‑year, rotational development pathway for recent graduates who want to build a career in public‑sector procurement. Participants will work across four six‑month placements in different government agencies located in Auckland and Wellington, gaining hands‑on experience in strategic sourcing, contract management and market analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Assist procurement teams in the end‑to‑end procurement lifecycle, from strategy development to contract award.
• Conduct market research and analysis to inform sourcing decisions.
• Support the preparation of tender documents, evaluation of bids and negotiation of contracts.
• Maintain transparent and inclusive vendor relationships in line with government policies.
• Contribute to risk‑mitigation activities and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

Required profile

• Recent graduate or final‑year student (2026) with a C+ average or higher.
• New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Adaptable, curious and solutions‑focused mindset.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build professional relationships.

Required skills

What we offer

• Professional mentoring from senior procurement specialists.
• Support to obtain the internationally recognised CIPS qualification.
• Broad network across multiple government agencies.
• Exposure to a variety of procurement projects and sectors.