Commercial Procurement Manager

Southern Cross is guided by purpose, powered by people and technology. We're here to help almost one million members across Aotearoa New Zealand live well for longer - work with real scale, real responsibility, and a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

We're looking for a Commercial Procurement Manager to engage in complex commercial negotiations and drive value from key supplier and contract relationships that keep Southern Cross protected and set up to deliver sustainable value for our members.

This is a senior commercial role for someone who wants to bring rigour, judgement and hands-on delivery to how Southern Cross sources, partners and manages risk - working as part of a high-performing team and turning strong commercial relationships into real advantage for the business.

About the role

Reporting to the Commercial Procurement Lead, you'll work within Southern Cross' commercial procurement function, helping to build capability, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement across the team.

You'll engage in complex negotiations and supplier engagements in your own right, balancing commercial outcomes with risk, service quality and long-term value - including for key third-party partnerships such as strategic health management and technology services.

This role is both strategic and hands-on - you'll balance strategic thinking with practical action, providing leadership and direction while staying close to the detail on the negotiations, contracts and relationships that matter most.

What you'll do

• Engage in complex commercial negotiations and supplier engagements, balancing value, risk, service quality and long-term outcomes

• Partner with leaders across the organisation to shape sourcing decisions, procurement strategies and commercial arrangements

• Oversee key supplier and contract relationships, ensuring performance, accountability and value delivery

• Provide expert commercial advice and governance for procurement, contracting and third-party partnerships, including strategic health management and technology services

• Balance strategic thinking with practical action, providing leadership and direction while remaining hands-on in delivering outcomes

• Supporting the Commercial Procurement Lead in continuous improvement by simplifying processes and leveraging technology and automation

What you'll bring

• Strong commercial, procurement and supplier management experience, with a track record of delivering value through strategic sourcing, negotiation and contract management

• Demonstrated ability to engage in complex negotiations and manage significant supplier or third-party relationships, ideally including health management or technology services

• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex commercial decisions, balancing financial, operational, customer and strategic considerations

• Strong understanding of contractual obligations, liability and risk management, and sound commercial judgement under pressure

• Hands-on and adaptable - equally comfortable in the administrative detail and the broader strategic procurement picture

• Strong stakeholder influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across the business and with external suppliers

• A collaborative, team-first mindset - keen to contribute to the capability, accountability and continuous improvement of the wider function

Why join us

We're investing - in people, in technology, and in the mission. At a time when the market is hesitant, we're continuing to invest in strengthening our foundations and building our capabilities. You'll have genuine scope to shape how commercial procurement works in practice at Southern Cross.

We're building something worth joining. Our teams are growing, our employer brand is gaining real traction in market, and the way we show up for our members and each other is being noticed. This momentum has also been reflected externally - in 2026, Southern Cross placed 8th in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index and 5th in New Zealand for Trust.

Who we are

Ngākau nui. Āhurutanga. Tikanga.

Join a proud, diverse team that's always there, always real, always true. If you thrive in a caring, honest and open culture, we think you'll love working with us.

We know our team's culture and wellbeing drive us forward. That's why we prioritise not only professional development but opportunities to thrive personally. We offer exceptional work/life balance, and our people are encouraged - and rewarded - for living well.

Southern Cross employee benefits include:

• Five days of wellbeing leave per year

• Health insurance for you and your immediate whānau

• Life insurance cover and discounts on pet and travel insurance

• Extra parental leave benefits and financial wellbeing support

• Participation in our workplace wellbeing programme

• The option to purchase flexi leave for study, volunteering, or supporting your whānau

• An annual volunteer day to contribute to a cause with your team

This role is Auckland based. While we appreciate interest from candidates in other locations, we're unfortunately not able to consider remote options. Have questions? Check out our FAQs for help with the application and recruitment process.