Procurement Specialist

About the Company At Synlait, we are a dynamic and purpose-driven milk nutrition company dedicated to "Doing Milk Differently for a Healthier World." Our organization values innovative thinking and a fresh attitude, which we believe are essential to driving our success. We pride ourselves on our authentic and down-to-earth culture, where our team collaborates to produce top-quality nutritional milk products for our global customers. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and encourages unique perspectives, as we believe these are key to driving innovation and achieving business success. About the Role We are currently seeking a Procurement Specialist to manage our daily purchasing activities across various indirect categories for our manufacturing plants. In this role, you will provide valuable support and advice to our procurement team and key stakeholders, focusing on areas such as chemical and consumable goods, corporate services, and capital expenditures. As a Procurement Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring cost-effective procurement, enhancing operational efficiency, and managing supplier relationships. You will collaborate closely with different business units to identify opportunities and risks that contribute to our overall success. We are looking for a candidate who is analytical, outcome-driven, adaptable in communication, and capable of thinking creatively to solve problems and meet objectives. Your main responsibilities will include: - Collaborating with category managers and project teams, representing Procurement on assigned projects. - Leading cost-saving initiatives, including the renewal and negotiation of sourcing contracts to enhance operational efficiency and value. - Providing commercial insights to align procurement activities with business objectives, focusing on cost-effectiveness, risk mitigation, and value creation. - Strengthening supplier relationships and developing measures for supplier evaluation. - Identifying strategic issues related to procurement and contract management in relation to other business areas. This position will be based at our Christchurch site in Dunsandel, with some flexibility to work in the city center. While we support flexible working arrangements, please note that remote work options are not available. Requirements To be considered for this role, you should have: - A proven track record in managing indirect procurement, with strong relationship-building skills. - Prior experience in purchasing, strategic sourcing, and commercial negotiations that demonstrate your ability to drive cost savings and negotiate supplier contracts effectively. - Extensive experience managing the entire procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, negotiation, contract management, and supplier performance evaluation. - A background in dairy, manufacturing, or FMCG is preferred. - Experience in contract drafting and negotiation is essential. - Strong listening skills to identify strengths, weaknesses, and alternative solutions when engaging with suppliers. - The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a multi-tasking environment. Please note that applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if they have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. Benefits At Synlait, we offer a range of benefits, including: - Health insurance coverage partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts. - Excellent parental leave through our Matua policy, along with flexible working options. - Access to world-class manufacturing facilities and BCorp™ certification. - Opportunities for Social Club membership. What's Next? If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply now by submitting your most recent CV and a cover letter that highlights your qualifications and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck with your application and encourage early submissions, as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement ahead of schedule. Together, we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.