Purchasing Support Administrator

Job Description:

Te Ratonga Ahumoni | Financial Services

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Permanent position, 37.5 hours per week
• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Purchasing Support Administrator? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Are you a detail-oriented administrator who enjoys working with financial systems, solving problems and making processes run smoothly? Join UC’s Financial Services team and play a key role in keeping purchasing and expense management operations accurate, efficient and well supported across the University.

From administering purchasing systems to supporting P-Card and expense processes, your work will help staff navigate systems confidently and ensure purchasing activities meet UC’s policies and requirements. Bring your analytical mindset to reporting, data quality and process improvement, while contributing to the transition to Workday and the ongoing enhancement of purchasing systems and services.

Mōu | Who You Are

You are an organised and solutions-focused professional who combines strong administrative skills with a commitment to accuracy, responsive service and continuous improvement. You will bring:

• Proven experience in purchasing, finance, accounts payable, procure-to-pay or a similar administrative environment. Ideally with 4-5 years in a similar role.
• Experience administering financial, purchasing, expense management or enterprise systems, with a sound understanding of purchasing processes and controls.
• Strong digital capability, including Microsoft Excel, Word and other business applications, alongside experience preparing reports and analysing operational information.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage high volumes of information, identify discrepancies and maintain accurate records.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the confidence to support users, explain processes and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• The ability to prioritise competing demands, resolve issues and contribute to process improvements while maintaining service standards. Experience in supplier administration, financial records, or staff training is an advantage.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

Working within Financial Services, you will collaborate closely with colleagues across Procurement and Finance, as well as Digital Services and departments throughout UC. Through responsive support and practical guidance, you will help staff use purchasing systems effectively and maintain reliable supplier and expense processes — building strong working relationships while contributing to a more efficient, consistent purchasing service.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid for eligible staff) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 10 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and CV.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role. [Choose continuing roles]

Please note, this is an onsite position.