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About business

Quest Exploration Drilling (QED) Ltd is a leading provider of drilling services in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. With over 45 years of experience, QED has established itself as an industry leader in the resources and energy sectors.

Our operations in Papua New Guinea involve a diverse team of over 300 staff, engaging with local communities and employing personnel from all regions of the country.

About the position

We are seeking a Purchasing Supervisor to join our Finance team in Lae. The successful incumbent will lead the purchasing function and oversee a team of Purchasing Officers to deliver efficient, compliant, and cost‑effective procurement that supports operational continuity, timely supply, and accurate reporting.

Position Title: Purchasing Supervisor

Location: Lae
Department: Finance
Reports To: Accounting Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Level: Supervisor
Direct Reports: 4

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage the purchasing function, providing day‑to‑day leadership to four Purchasing Officers to ensure efficient, compliant operations.
• Review, approve, and coordinate purchasing activities, ensuring approved site requisitions are actioned in line with procurement policies.
• Oversee the preparation and management of Purchase Orders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely processing.
• Ensure competitive sourcing and quotation processes to achieve value‑for‑money outcomes.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation for audit, reporting, and compliance purposes.
• Monitor outstanding POs and coordinate follow‑ups with suppliers, ensuring timely updates to operational sites.
• Liaise with Finance and Accounts to ensure correct GL coding, budget alignment, and smooth invoice processing.
• Manage key supplier relationships to support on‑time delivery and issue resolution.
• Oversee purchasing reports and spreadsheets, contributing to end‑of‑month management reporting.
• Enforce procurement, safety, quality, and environmental policies and support risk and safety compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement, cost‑saving initiatives, and cross‑department collaboration.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as directed by Management.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in drilling, mining, construction, transport, heavy equipment, or similar operational environments.
• Exposure to maintenance parts purchasing, inventory coordination, and supplier management.
• Experience using purchasing, inventory, stock control, or ERP systems; QuickBooks experience is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in senior purchasing, procurement, stores, logistics, or maintenance administration roles.
• Sound understanding of purchasing processes, supplier coordination, and stock control.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a reliable, proactive, and solutions‑focused approach.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Purchasing, Inventory, and Stock Control.
• Sound working knowledge of drill rigs, rig components, heavy and light vehicles, hydraulic systems, and engines is essential.
• Strong computer literacy with experience using QuickBooks.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Application letter
• Updated CV

Applications should be submitted to [email protected] no later than 15 April 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Important Note: We will not be accepting hand delivered applications. When submitting your application via email, please combine all your documents into a single PDF file. Use the following format for your email subject line: "Application for Purchasing Supervisor – Job ID#17."

Address:

Quest Exploration Drilling (PNG) Ltd

PO Box 1538

11 Mile

Lae, Morobe Province