Relationship Buyer Lead

Connect buyers with Māori and Pasifika businesses Drive inclusive procurement across Auckland CouncilHelp reshape the future of Aotearoa’s economyHe kōrero mō mātou | About usAmotai is Aotearoa’s supplier diversity intermediary, connecting Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses with buyers across the motu who are seeking goods, services, and works. We maintain a national directory of verified suppliers and support organisations to diversify their supply chains in a meaningful and sustainable way. The name Amotai – meaning the swell in the tide – reflects collective momentum and progress.

We exist to enable long-term, equitable business opportunities that grow a prosperous Tāmaki Makaurau and contribute to a more inclusive Aotearoa economy. He angitūtanga | The opportunityWe have an exciting opportunity for a Relationship Buyer Lead to help shape local government procurement practices and drive greater opportunity for Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses . This fixed-term role (until 30 June 2027) will be embedded within Auckland Council, where you'll work across the Council group to support teams to engage with Amotai-registered suppliers.

This is a unique chance to contribute to procurement policy, influence buying behaviour and shape local supply chains to be more inclusive, resilient, and reflective of Aotearoa’s diverse communities. Your leadership will ensure council teams are supported to engage with Amotai-registered businesses, while creating stronger commercial outcomes and positive social impact. As a key member of the Amotai team, you will help design and deliver strategies that strengthen relationships between council buyers and suppliers, champion supplier diversity at all levels, and lay the foundation for Amotai’s long-term sustainability and reach.

What you’ll be doing· Developing and embedding supplier diversity strategies and contract clauses within Council procurement· Providing expert advice and thought leadership on inclusive procurement and broader outcomes· Supporting buyers to identify and activate opportunities in the supply chain· Facilitating connections between buyers and Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses· Building buyer capability and confidence in engaging diverse suppliers· Leading or contributing to complex work programmes and projects that advance supplier diversity outcomes· Acting as a trusted advisor bringing proven procurement expertise and an ability to connect and influence key stakeholders across a large, complex procurement ecosystem He kōrero mōu | About youYou’re a confident procurement professional with a passion for supplier diversity and economic equity.

Your commercial acumen is matched by your commitment to creating opportunities for Māori and Pasifika businesses. You bring:

· Proven experience in procurement or related fields· Knowledge of Māori and Pasifika business environments and procurement issues· A background in building and managing strategic partnerships or complex stakeholder relationships· Experience leading or delivering impactful work programmes within large organisations· Excellent communication and influencing skills – you're someone who connects people and builds trust· An understanding of the structural and systemic barriers to Māori and Pasifika business participation Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offerIn this role, you’ll be part of a passionate, kaupapa-driven team making real impact.

You’ll be working closely within Auckland Council’s procurement environment from your base within the Amotai whānau. · A collaborative and inclusive work culture· Flexible working conditions that support your wellbeing· A chance to work with passionate professionals committed to positive change· A real opportunity to help shift the dial for Māori and Pasifika businesses in Aotearoa