The people behind public procurement – shining a light on the New Zealand’s procurement workforce
The Procurement Workforce Survey helps build a clear picture of the people who work in public sector procurement across New Zealand. The 2026 survey launches in early July and we need your participation.
A capable workforce is essential for delivering value for money and effective public services, but until recently, there was limited data about workforce size, skills, and gaps. The Procurement Workforce Survey aims to change that by providing reliable insights to guide planning, investment, and capability development across the system.
The first survey was run in 2025. Key findings included 58% overall job satisfaction with pay, workplace culture, and work‑life balance as key factors.
The workforce is also highly experienced, with over half of respondents having more than 5 years of procurement experience, and many having held multiple roles within the profession.
Most respondents (70%) entered procurement mid‑career, showing a need for targeted training and clearer career pathways. Nearly half of managers did not report specific skills gaps in their teams, suggesting a generally balanced level of capability. However, where gaps were identified, they were most commonly in procurement practices and digital skills.
Importantly, the 2025 results showed the need to hear more directly from frontline practitioners. The 2026 survey will build on this baseline and, along with the Procurement Capability Index, build a strong data resource to support decision making.
The Procurement Workforce Survey launches on 2 July 2026 and runs for 6 weeks. Everyone working in procurement in the public service is welcome to participate.