Purchasing Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne

The Role

As the Purchasing Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) by coordinating end‑to‑end purchasing activities for IT services and products. You’ll create and manage purchase orders, maintain supplier information, and ensure all purchasing activity aligns with the University’s procurement frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Support the full purchasing lifecycle for IT products and services, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders, initiate requisitions, and coordinate receipting.
• Act as the first point of contact for routine supplier and stakeholder enquiries.
• Provide guidance to stakeholders on purchasing processes and compliance requirements.
• Promote consistency and efficiency across purchasing activities.
• Contribute to the integrity and reliability of the University’s centralised procurement model.

This full‑time position is a permanent role at a HEW 5 located at Callaghan Campus (Awabakal Land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Demonstrated proficiency using finance systems to process transactions, maintain data accuracy and generate reports.
• Ability to interpret and apply procurement policies and procedures accurately within day‑to‑day purchasing operations.
• Sound interpersonal skills and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering a culture of transparency and open communication.

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 are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

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.

• The remuneration for this position is from $80,972 - $93,929 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy).
• 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.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University’s please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University’s website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application must include:

• Current resume/CV including qualifications and relevant training; and
• Cover letter outlining your motivation and addressing each of the criteria listed below the ‘how will you inspire us – you will have:’ heading in this advert using an example for each to demonstrate.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested points as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Trevor Schofield, Senior Manager Vendor Management via email trevor.schofield@newcastle.edu.au.

Our assessment 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.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience. Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

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.

Having Difficulties?

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

Closing date Sunday, 1 March 11:59pm AEDT.