Procurement Specialist

About the Company At Synlait, we are a purpose-driven milk nutrition company dedicated to "Doing Milk Differently for a Healthier World." Our organization prides itself on being innovative and forward-thinking, fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences. We combine expert farming practices with cutting-edge processing technology to produce a range of nutritional milk products for our global customers. We strive to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best, providing opportunities for career growth while embracing diversity to drive innovation and 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 essential support and guidance 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 crucial role in ensuring cost-effective procurement, managing supplier relationships, and improving operational efficiency. You will collaborate closely with different business units to identify opportunities and risks that contribute to the overall success of our organization. Key Responsibilities - Collaborate with category managers and project teams, representing Procurement on assigned projects as needed. - Lead cost-saving initiatives by renewing and negotiating sourcing contracts and driving operational efficiency and value. - Provide commercial insights to align procurement activities with business objectives, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and risk mitigation. - Strengthen supplier relationships and establish evaluation measures for supplier performance. - Identify strategic issues related to procurement and contract management and their implications for other areas of the business. The role will primarily be based at our Christchurch site in Dunsandel, with some flexibility to work from the city center. While we support flexible working arrangements, we do not consider remote work for this position. Requirements To be successful in this role, you should have a proven track record in managing indirect procurement and strong relationship-building skills. Ideally, you will possess prior experience in purchasing, strategic sourcing, and commercial negotiations, showcasing your ability to drive cost savings and manage supplier contracts effectively. Additional requirements include: - Extensive experience managing the entire procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, negotiation, contract management, and supplier performance evaluation. - Demonstrated success in achieving targets through strategic procurement processes. - Preferred experience in dairy, manufacturing, or FMCG sectors. - Proficiency in contract drafting and negotiation. - Strong listening skills to identify strengths, weaknesses, and alternative solutions when engaging with suppliers. - Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, 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 to support our employees, including: - Comprehensive health insurance coverage along with partnerships for additional benefits and discounts. - Excellent parental leave under our Matua policy and flexible working options. - Access to world-class manufacturing facilities and BCorp certification. - Opportunities to join our Social Club for enhanced employee engagement. What’s Next? If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply now. Please submit your most recent CV along with a cover letter outlining your skills and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application process. As we regularly review applications, we encourage early submission, as the position may close earlier than the advertised date. Together, we will continue to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.