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Procurement Category Partner – Networks

What makes this role great:

• Be part of a supportive team and purpose led organisation.
• Work in a dynamic role that combines strategic commercial leadership, procurement expertise and program management. 
• If you enjoy bringing structure, accountability and transparency to complex delivery environments, then this role is for you. 
• Help shape how Spark works with its most critical suppliers, with focus on driving value-based partnerships. 
• Play a pivotal role in Spark achieving its strategic goal of delivering a “Better Network”, by optimising commercial governance and supplier performance.    

About Spark:

As New Zealand's largest telecommunications and digital services company, Spark's purpose is to help all of New Zealand win big in a digital world. We provide mobile, broadband, and digital services to millions of New Zealanders and thousands of New Zealand businesses. 

About the Role:  

We are seeking a senior Commercial and Program Management professional to take end-to-end commercial ownership of Sparks Mobile/RAN (Radio Access Network) program delivery, Sparks most strategically critical and capital-intensive program. 

This role sits within Procurement but operates as a trusted commercial partner into both Sparks Fibre Network and RAN delivery teams, with accountability for managing cost, risk and optimising value and delivery. 

The role blends commercial leadership, procurement expertise and program management capability, providing oversight across strategy, budget management, billing assurance, supplier performance and delivery governance.  You will play a pivotal role in strengthening accountability, improving commercial rigour, and enabling Spark to meet its ambitions of delivering a “Better Network”, at pace. 

This is a high-visibility role, partnering closely with senior stakeholders across RAN Delivery, Fixed/Fibre Network, Finance and Sparks most strategic Fibre and Mobile Network suppliers. 

Day to day you will be involved in:

• Partnering with Sparks Fibre and RAN Delivery leadership to embed stronger commercial governance and accountability. 
• Owning and maintaining a clear view of supplier spend, scope, delivery milestones and commercial risk. 
• Leading commercial assurance across:

o   Supplier contracts and statements of work.

o   Change control and scope management.

o   Delivery validation.

o   Invoice assurance and billing accuracy. 

• Relationship and contract management for key Fibre relationships. 
• Collaborating with other Procurement Partners in ensuring RAN and Fibre Network suppliers are kept accountable for delivery against agreed commercial and performance outcomes.
• Providing clear, concise commercial insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders to support timely, informed decisions. 
• Working closely with Finance to improve cost transparency and financial controls. 

What experience you'll bring?  

• 10+ years experience in complex commercial, procurement or program roles within telecommunications, infrastructure, utilities or large-scale delivery environments. 
• Demonstrated experience providing commercial leadership across major programs. 
• Strong understanding of Mobile/RAN and/or Fibre network delivery models. 
• Proven capability in managing large CAPEX programs, supplier performance, commercial governance and contractual risks. 
• Deep commercial acumen with the ability to challenge constructively, drive accountability and protect value while maintaining productive supplier relationships.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with experience dealing with complex, high-value supplier relationships. 
• Confidence engaging with senior leaders across Delivery, Finance and Commercial functions.

Why choose us:   

Diversity and Inclusion: Te Kanorau me te Whakawhāiti mai 

At Spark, we are constantly looking for ways to build a more inclusive culture.  Our vision is for diversity and inclusion to be "how things are done at Spark", embedded into our day-to-day activities, standards, and business practices.  We want you to feel totally comfortable bringing your whole self to work regardless of your gender, ethnicity, orientation, age, or ability. 

Sustainability: Toitū

 Sustainability is a key focus for us.  We are dedicated to supporting Aotearoa New Zealand's recovery and economic transformation.  The principle of equity is at the very heart of our approach, and we remain committed to working in partnership to make a positive contribution to digital equity in line with our focus on Diversity and Inclusion. 

Benefits: Awhina 

 Our people matter and we make sure we look after them. As a valued employee of Spark, we've got our people covered with a range of leading benefits including: 

• Wellbeing - Comprehensive medical insurance, life and income protection.  Access to wellbeing coaches, EAP and in-house Specialist Clinical support through our leading Mahi Tahi Wellness programme. 

• Hybrid ways of working - for most teams at Spark this means being in the office for 4 days a week, and 1 day being flexible. 

• Leave - in addition to four weeks annual leave, we offer purchased leave, enhanced parental leave support and study leave.

• Spark Credit – we provide permanent employees with $150 monthly Spark credit to use on any of our amazing products. 

• Spark Share scheme – periodically we offer the opportunity to buy into our share scheme. 

• Career development – access to an internal marketplace that connects employees with experiential, on the job learning across Spark.

How to apply:  

·       If this sounds like you then hit "apply" now!

·       Note, to apply for this vacancy you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid work visa.