Purchasing Officer - Research Purchasing

• Stability, variety and the opportunity to develop your skills
• Build your purchasing capability within a supportive, professional team
• Gain exposure to a broad range of stakeholders

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Purchasing Officer to play a key role in supporting the University’s centre-led procurement function.

Focused on purchasing operations, this role is responsible for delivering the full end-to-end purchasing process on behalf of business units, from initiating purchase requisitions through to purchase order creation, receipting and supplier interaction. The Purchasing Officer provides practical, knowledgeable purchasing advice across the University, supporting compliance with procurement policies while driving consistency, accuracy and efficiency.

This role sits within Strategic Procurement, a team currently undergoing significant transformation as it moves from a decentralised purchasing environment to a centre-led procurement model. The work you do will directly support the integrity, effectiveness and reliability of this model and contribute to better value and outcomes across the University.

The role

In this role, you will:

• Create, validate and issue purchase orders within University systems to meet business needs
• Manage purchase order documentation and act as the first point of contact for transactional purchasing queries from suppliers, accounts, stores and internal stakeholders
• Respond promptly to supplier enquiries and resolve day-to-day purchasing issues
• Extract and maintain accurate supplier and contractor data from the University’s financial systems
• Communicate purchasing processes and requirements clearly to internal and external stakeholders
• Provide purchasing training and support to procurement hubs within Infrastructure and Facilities Services and Digital Technology Solutions
• Ensure purchasing activities are accurate, timely and compliant with University policies

You will actively contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by:

• Reviewing purchasing processes to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and service delivery
• Collaborating with teams across the University to gather feedback and implement improvements
• Applying governance protocols and identifying risks associated with purchasing data and processes
• Working with your team leader to mitigate risks and maintain strong controls, supporting low error rates and fraud prevention

About you

You are detail-oriented, organised and service-focused, with experience in purchasing, procurement administration or transactional finance. You are comfortable working with financial systems, managing high volumes of transactions and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

You bring:

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
• Clear communication skills and confidence dealing with suppliers and internal customers
• An understanding of purchasing processes, compliance and governance
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to process improvement

Experience in a large, complex organisation or exposure to centre-led procurement models will be well regarded but is not essential.

This continuing position is full time at a HEW 5 Higher Education Level and is based at Callaghan.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this role is $80,972 - $93929 p.a plus superannuation
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 35 hour week
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Tamarin King, Associate Director Strategic Procurement (via email Tamarin.King@newcastle.edu.au

 Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Wednesday 18th March 2026

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

 We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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