Purchasing Specialist

We are recruiting for an established manufacturing business an experienced Purchasing Specialist to take ownership of day-to-day purchasing and supplier performance within its Hamilton operation.

This is a practical, fast-paced role sitting  in the operations team. You will manage purchasing activity across a range of materials and components, working closely with suppliers, production, inventory, inwards goods and other internal teams.

You will be responsible for ensuring the right materials arrive at the right time, while keeping a close eye on cost, quality, inventory and supplier performance.

What you'll be doing

• Manage purchasing activity from order placement through to delivery, ensuring materials are available to meet production requirements
• Develop supplier strategies for all key suppliers
• Build and manage supplier relationships, including negotiating pricing, contracts, terms and delivery expectations
• Monitor supplier performance, lead times and DIFOT, proactively resolving supply, quality and delivery issues
• Work closely with production and internal teams to manage inventory levels, forecasts and changing material requirements
• Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier and master data within the ERP system
• Identify opportunities to reduce cost working with internal partners, improve supplier performance and strengthen purchasing processes

What we're looking for
You will ideally bring at least five years' purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment. You understand that purchasing in manufacturing is about much more than price.

Production needs materials available when required, specifications need to be right and supplier problems need to be dealt with quickly.

You'll also bring:

• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems, ideally SAP or similar
• Advanced Excel capability
• An understanding of inventory and production requirements
• Some knowledge of basic mechanical engineering principles
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent planning and organisational ability
• The confidence to work across different functions and with suppliers internationally
• A proactive approach and the ability to handle a busy workload

A CIPS Diploma or similar procurement qualification would be advantageous along with advanced Excel skills.  The formal requirements specify five years' relevant purchasing experience in manufacturing, mechanical engineering knowledge and SAP or equivalent ERP experience.

Why consider this role?
This is a good opportunity for an experienced purchasing professional who wants genuine ownership of their supplier portfolio and the opportunity to make improvements.

You'll be close to the operation, working with the people who design and use the materials you buy,  seeing the impact of good purchasing decisions directly on our customers.

If you enjoy solving supply problems, negotiating with suppliers and finding better ways to manage cost, inventory and delivery performance, we'd like to hear from you.

Where to from here?
To apply click on the APPLY button and upload your cover letter and CV.  

Applications close: Monday 21st September 2026.

Please note that you will need to be in New Zealand to be considered for this role and only those short listed will be responded to.