Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent Overview

About Zealong Tea Estate

Zealong Tea Estate is a New Zealand business with diverse operations spanning horticulture, tea manufacturing, wholesale, retail, international sales, hospitality, events, tours, accommodation and restaurant services. We are seeking a commercially minded, organised and digitally savvy Purchasing Agent to support our purchasing and supply activities across our business operations. This role will help ensure that the right products and services are sourced at competitive prices, delivered on time and available to meet operational and customer demand.

About the role

Reporting to management, the Purchasing Agent will coordinate purchasing activities, maintain supplier relationships, monitor inventory and purchasing requirements, and ensure accurate procurement and financial records. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to understand business needs, evaluate purchasing options, negotiate commercial terms and maintain reliable supply arrangements. Fluency in both English and Mandarin, written and spoken, is essential for this position because the role requires effective communication, negotiation and documentation with English- and Mandarin-speaking stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, research and evaluate suppliers of products, materials, equipment and services.
• Source and order goods and services required across the estate’s horticulture, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, international sales and hospitality operations.
• Obtain and compare quotations, assess supplier capability and negotiate pricing, payment terms, contracts and delivery arrangements.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Monitor stock levels, purchasing lead times, inventory movements and operational demand to maintain appropriate stock availability.
• Liaise with internal teams to establish purchasing requirements, specifications, budgets and delivery priorities.
• Process purchase orders and maintain accurate purchasing, supplier, invoice, payment and delivery records.
• Use digital systems, spreadsheets and relevant business software to maintain procurement data and prepare reports.
• Analyse purchasing costs, supplier performance, expenditure and market trends to identify savings and improve purchasing decisions.
• Identify supply risks, resolve purchasing and delivery issues, and recommend practical solutions.
• Coordinate purchasing requirements across different business functions and travel to relevant business locations or supplier meetings when required.
• Maintain accurate, organised and timely procurement records in accordance with company procedures.

Skills and experience

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• At least one year of relevant purchasing, procurement, sourcing or supply-chain experience, or a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin, both written and spoken, with the ability to communicate professionally, negotiate with suppliers and prepare accurate business correspondence in both languages.
• Strong digital literacy and confidence using spreadsheets, purchasing or inventory systems, email and other business software.
• Commercial awareness, sound judgement and the ability to compare prices, evaluate suppliers and make informed purchasing decisions.
• Strong analytical, numerical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Effective communication and relationship-management skills when working with suppliers and internal teams.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and meet deadlines.
• A responsible, proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• The ability and willingness to travel for work when required.

Relevant purchasing, procurement, supply-chain, business or logistics qualifications and experience in manufacturing, horticulture, wholesale, retail, hospitality or international trade will be advantageous.

What we offer

• Permanent, full-time employment.
• A pay range of NZD 28.00–30.00 per hour, depending on skills and experience.
• A minimum of 30 guaranteed paid hours per week.
• The opportunity to contribute to a diverse New Zealand business with domestic and international supply relationships.
• A varied role working across multiple business functions and operational teams.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant purchasing experience, digital skills, and English and Mandarin language proficiency. Please include examples of your experience with supplier sourcing, price negotiation, purchase orders, inventory management and procurement systems where applicable. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they meet the stated skills and experience requirements. Zealong Tea Estate is committed to a fair and genuine recruitment process. All applications will be assessed against the requirements of the position and applicable New Zealand employment and immigration requirements.

Pay: $28.00 – $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring program
• Free drinks
• Travel reimbursement
• Visa sponsorship

Work Location: In person

Visa Sponsorship May be