Procurement Graduate Programme - Wellington
Procurement is one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after skill sets across the world.
The New Zealand Government Procurement Graduate Programme develops tomorrow's public sector procurement leaders. This unique 2-year programme starts in February 2026 with positions in both Auckland and Wellington.
About the Role
If you want to work with government agencies and help them achieve better outcomes and deliver value for New Zealanders, our procurement graduate programme is the one for you.- Build your skills and networks to create pathways to fantastic future opportunities.
- Play a role in government procurement to deliver better outcomes for New Zealand.
- Help with the purchasing of goods and services whilst being fair, transparent, inclusive and efficient.
- Enjoy professional mentoring from some of the best procurement specialists in New Zealand.
- Receive support towards an internationally recognised procurement qualification through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
We offer a two-year programme for up to 10 graduates, where you’ll complete 4 placements of 6 months, each with a procurement team of a different government agency.
By rotating through different agencies you’ll:- develop critical commercial skills
- be involved in a wide range of procurement projects
- gain experience in the different stages of the procurement lifecycle – from strategy and market analysis to contract management.
The time spent working alongside experienced procurement practitioners across a variety of agencies and projects gives you a unique breadth and depth of experience.
You’ll gain an exceptional level of critical skills and knowledge that will accelerate your career.
Your Skills and Experience
We consider students from a variety of academic disciplines and backgrounds. We’re looking for students with the right combination of personal qualities, enthusiasm, drive and commitment.
Ideally, you’ll bring:- an adaptable approach
- the ability to thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environment
- an engaging, dynamic mindset
- the ability to recognise and apply effective relationship building techniques in a professional environment.
- a solutions-focused mindset
- a C+ average in your studies
You’ll need to be either a recent graduate or a student in your final year of study in 2025. Only NZ Citizens or those who hold permanent residency are eligible for the programme.
About Government Procurement
New Zealand Government Procurement (NZGP), a branch within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), is responsible for the New Zealand Government Procurement Graduate Programme. NZGP has a vision for New Zealand’s government procurement to be fair, transparent, inclusive and efficient.It’ll continue to deliver more value and respond to changing government priorities. NZGP has outsourced the day-to-day management of the Graduate Programme to a third party, currently Expert Procurement Solutions Limited (EPS) who look after the Programme on NZGP’s behalf.
How to ApplyApplications for the February 2026 graduate cohort are open now.
All applications must be submitted via our online process here: https://campaign.vieple.com/c/cm9dihLnb4
You must upload your CV and answer all questions in the application form to be considered for this opportunity.
Applications close at 11.59pm on the 17th of August 2025.
If you have any questions, please email Estelle.Currin@eps.net.nz
If you want to learn more about the New Zealand Government Procurement (NZGP) Graduate Programme please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://procurement.govt.nz/about-us/growing-procurement-capability/graduate-programme/