Purchasing Manager - Raw Materials

a2M Career Site; Pokeno; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The a2 Milk Company in Pokeno is seeking a skilled supply planner to own raw material supply for production. You’ll develop plans, review MRP requirements, raise POs and collaborate with suppliers to keep production moving.

You will balance supply, inventory and production needs with cross-functional teams across Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics and S&OP, proactively identifying risks and implementing practical solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, supply planning or materials planning.
• Experience in FMCG, dairy, manufacturing or similar industries.
• Strong understanding of MRP and ERP systems.
• Experience managing suppliers and material supply risks.
• Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication.
• Proactive approach to identify risks and drive solutions.
• Commercial mindset balancing supply, service and inventory.
• Experience managing raw materials in manufacturing helpful.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage raw material supply plans to support production requirements.
• Review MRP requirements, raise purchase orders and manage supplier commitments.
• Build strong supplier relationships and monitor performance (DIFOT, lead times, service levels).
• Manage supplier forecasts, capacity, constraints and risks.
• Monitor raw material inventory, safety stock, shelf life and aging.
• Identify shortages and implement proactive mitigation plans.
• Support S&OP and provide visibility of supply risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on NPD, projects and production changes.
• Improve planning, purchasing and supplier management processes.

Skills

Procurement experience

Supply planning

Materials planning

MRP knowledge

ERP systems

Supplier management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Inventory management

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Our Story:

The a2 Milk Company, driven by science and a pioneering spirit, disrupted the dairy and infant milk formula industry. Our vision is to create an A1-free world where dairy nourishes all people and our planet.

The a2 Milk Company seeks to achieve this through the naturally occurring a2 Milk® difference and by bringing a more sustainable approach to dairy.

About the role:

This is a key role within our Pokeno manufacturing operation, where you’ll take ownership of the supply of raw materials needed to keep production moving. From planning future requirements and managing purchase orders through to working closely with suppliers and resolving potential supply issues, you’ll have a hands‑on role across the end‑to‑end raw material supply process.

You’ll work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Strategic S&OP and S&OP, using your planning and problem‑solving skills to balance supply, inventory and production needs, while proactively identifying risks and finding practical solutions.

More specifically, you will be involved in:

• Developing and managing raw material supply plans to support production requirements


• Reviewing MRP requirements, raising purchase orders and managing supplier commitments


• Building strong supplier relationships and monitoring performance, including DIFOT, lead times and service levels


• Managing supplier forecasts, capacity, constraints and potential supply risks


• Monitoring raw material inventory, safety stock, shelf life and inventory ageing


• Identifying potential shortages and putting proactive mitigation plans in place


• Supporting S&OP and providing visibility of supply risks, constraints and opportunities


• Working with cross‑functional teams to support NPD, projects, trials and production changes


• Improving planning, purchasing and supplier management processes

What you will bring:

• Experience in procurement, supply planning, materials planning or supply chain


• Experience within FMCG, dairy, manufacturing or another industrial environment


• Strong understanding of MRP and ERP systems


• Experience managing suppliers and material supply risks


• Strong analytical, planning and problem‑solving skills


• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills


• A proactive approach with the ability to identify risks and drive solutions


• A commercial mindset with a focus on balancing supply, service and inventory


• Experience managing raw materials in a manufacturing environment would be advantageous


• Exposure to dairy, ingredients, commodity‑based supply chains or S&OP would be beneficial