Operations & Supply Chain Manager

About the Company

Hey Bud is a rapidly expanding Australian skincare label focused on clean formulas that deliver real results. The brand is already stocked in Priceline and in many community pharmacies across Australia and New Zealand, with additional major retail partnerships expected soon. The business is small, fast-moving, and highly accountable, with a culture that values speed, ownership, and enjoyment in the work.

Role Overview

This senior, hands-on position is responsible for end-to-end ownership of supply chain, inventory, and purchasing activities across Australia and China. The main objective is to ensure products are available when needed, stock levels remain balanced, production stays on schedule, and costs and retail orders are managed efficiently. This is a true ownership role rather than a coordination role, and the successful candidate will take operations fully off the founders’ plate and improve them. The role reports directly to the founders.

Key Areas of Ownership

Inventory and Demand Planning: Forecast demand across online and retail channels, and place stock where it is needed at the right time. Establish reorder points and order quantities while balancing stock coverage, cash flow, minimum order quantities, and supplier lead times.

Purchasing and Supplier Management: Oversee purchasing across two supply networks: components sourced directly from China and finished goods produced locally. Track supplier timelines closely, negotiate pricing and MOQs, and build dependable supplier partnerships.

Production and Supply Planning: Schedule production with Australian contract manufacturers well in advance of demand. Coordinate stock and components to and from manufacturing partners and manage retail-ready kitting activity.

Logistics and Fulfilment: Manage the 3PL relationship, including inbound receiving, outbound dispatch, and resolution of exceptions. Arrange inbound freight and ensure online and wholesale orders leave on time.

Retail Operations: Keep retail customers supplied accurately and consistently, and prepare the business for larger retail accounts by managing compliance requirements such as delivery standards, labelling, and pallet configuration.

Costs and Reporting: Maintain inventory accuracy, lead the monthly stock close, keep COGS up to date, and provide monthly operational reporting to leadership.

Candidate Profile

The ideal person has a strong background in operations, supply chain, demand planning, or purchasing within beauty, personal care, FMCG, or a similar product-based environment. They should be confident with forecasting, reorder logic, safety stock, lead times, and MOQs, and have direct experience working with suppliers or contract manufacturers against deadlines. Strong Excel ability and comfort working with 3PLs, warehouse processes, and inventory systems are essential. The role suits a practical operator who is happy to handle purchase orders, stock counts, and hands-on daily execution. A high degree of self-direction is important, as this role requires someone who can operate independently and manage the business’s operational needs with minimal oversight. Experience supplying major grocery or pharmacy retailers would be a strong advantage.

Employment Details

This is a full-time, permanent position that can be performed remotely from anywhere in Australia. The role reports to the founders.