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Purchasing Specialist

Job Name
Purchasing Specialist

General Information

Date Published
14-Apr-2026
Advertising Ends
17-Apr-2026
ID#
15080
Role Type
Manufacturing
Work Type
Fixed-Term Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Bay of Plenty District

Position Description

Our Co-operative

Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
At Fonterra, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves. 

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. 

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

He kupu mō mātou | About us
Servicing the Bay of Plenty, our Edgecumbe site has been manufacturing dairy products since 1923. The site produces pastry sheet butter, prepared edible fats, anhydrous milk fat, casein & caseinates, whey protein concentrate, milk minerals and probiotics. Edgecumbe is the only site in NZ that produces calcium Caseinate.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a Purchasing Specialist to assist with optimising our purchasing processes and inventory management. Based in Edgecumbe, this role will be leading the implementation of improved purchasing processes ensuring compliance with procurement is up to standards as well as collaborating with maintenance teams to prevent additional costs.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the implementation of improved purchasing processes at allocated sites to optimize inventory and deliver value
  • Ensure compliance with procurement standards and correct use of processes and contracts. - Supervise stores staff in the absence of the Inventory Specialist.
  • Manage open purchase orders, PIR price MRBR blocks, parked/blocked invoices, PO confirmations, price changes, delivery date accuracy, and PO closures.
  • Collaborate with procurement teams to ensure correct contract rates, terms, and master data are used to minimize spend leakage.

This is a 6 month fixed term position. 

Mōu | About You
You have proven experience in purchasing and inventory management, with a strong understanding of procurement processes and systems like SAP ECC and ARIBA. You excel in leadership and people management, inspiring teams to achieve goals.
  • Proven experience in purchasing and inventory management
  • Strong understanding of procurement processes and systems (SAP ECC, ARIBA)
  • Ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve goals
  • Keen eye for detail and commitment to compliance with procurement standards.
  • Proactive in identifying and addressing issues to prevent costs.
  • Focus on optimising inventory holdings.
  • Strong communication skills for effective collaboration

Ngā Aura | Our Values 
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You 
We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:
  • Fair and equitable pay
  • Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career growth support
  • Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
  • Employee recognition
  • Support for community involvement and cultural connection
To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Tātou Tātou | Join Us
Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together. 

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.

He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. 

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). 

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. 

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou. 

Applications close at midnight on 17th April.