Mo te tunga | About the role
As the Purchasing Officer, you will provide efficient and timely goods and services purchasing for the NZDF. This will involve working with all NZDF staff to meet their purchasing needs.
Our purchasing officers are part of our Business Services Group who are responsible for the effective management of corporate purchasing, accounts payable, and Treasury payment functions (PTP) as well as transactional accounting and compliance (including fixed assets, payroll accounting, accounts receivable, balance sheet reconciliations and tax compliance activities).
A typical day might include:
- Converting purchase requisitions to purchase orders in a timely and efficient manner, while providing specialist advice to both internal and external customers.
- Identifying improvement opportunities and supporting the development of business cases for implementation.
- Regularly running purchasing reports and supporting the wider team to ensure the best service is provided to our customer.
- Answering purchasing queries from units within NZDF as well as vendors.
- Provide advice to business units that adheres to NZDF purchasing policy.
This role is based in Trentham. Free parking onsite, great cafes and eateries close by and free access to gym and pool at Trentham Military Camp.
Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option for flexible working arrangements.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience
First and foremost, we are seeking someone who wants to actively contribute to the culture and success of the team. You will need to be enthusiastic about providing exceptional customer service to our wide array of customers/clients.
As the preferred candidate, you'll ideally possess the following:
- Either an accounting or business tertiary qualification, or at least two years practical experience in purchasing, accounts payable, or an administration function.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- The ability to demonstrate initiative and good judgement while working with minimal supervision.
- Experience with SAP or a similar ERP system.
Nou te rourou | What's in it for you
Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.
NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.
Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Applications close on Wednesday 3 September 2025.
Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.
Please Note:
- All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
- Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
- Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.
NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.
NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.
NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, in which NZDF has proposed some changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. At this point in time this position is not proposed to be affected. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.
Please Note:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Low Level Security Clearance
- You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
- At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
- You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.
If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.