Supply Chain and Operations Lead

About Quips

Quips is a rapidly expanding Australian alcohol brand known for ready-to-drink cocktails sold in resealable pouch packaging. Since launching, the business has scaled to serve hundreds of retailers, large wholesalers, nationwide events and some of the country’s biggest liquor groups. As the brand continues to grow across Australia and prepares for international expansion, it is seeking a Supply Chain and Operations Lead to own core operational functions and help create the systems needed for the next stage of scale.

Role overview

This is a high-impact position that reports directly to the founders. The person in this role will be responsible for the day-to-day running of supply chain, procurement, inventory, logistics and operational compliance. The focus is on making sure the right stock is available in the right place at the right time, while also improving efficiency and profitability across the business.

You will work closely with manufacturers, suppliers, freight partners, customs brokers, third-party logistics providers, wholesalers and retail customers both in Australia and overseas. The role suits someone who likes taking full ownership, solving practical problems and building scalable systems inside a fast-moving consumer brand.

Key responsibilities

Supply chain and procurement

• Handle purchasing for ingredients, alcohol, packaging and finished products.
• Plan inventory needs and keep stock levels at the right balance.
• Align production timing with manufacturing partners.
• Oversee supplier relationships and evaluate supplier performance.
• Negotiate commercial terms and look for ways to cut costs.
• Maintain uninterrupted supply across all product ranges.

Inventory management

• Own demand forecasting and replenishment planning.
• Track inventory across manufacturing sites and warehouses.
• Keep inventory records accurate and up to date.
• Reduce stock shortages while managing working capital efficiently.
• Perform stock checks and investigate any variances.

Logistics and fulfilment

• Manage relationships with 3PL and warehousing partners.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound freight movement.
• Make sure customer orders are delivered correctly and on time.
• Oversee deliveries to wholesalers, distributors and national retail accounts.
• Continually improve logistics performance and operational efficiency.

Customer operations

• Support the operational needs of major customers such as wholesalers and national retail groups.
• Coordinate order processing and fulfilment activity.
• Ensure customer supply chain expectations are met.
• Serve as the main operational contact for logistics and inventory matters.

International trade and customs

• Oversee the import process for alcohol, ingredients and packaging materials.
• Coordinate customs clearance, freight forwarding and import paperwork.
• Ensure all import and export rules are met.
• Help identify and establish export opportunities and distribution channels.
• Coordinate international shipments and export logistics.
• Build strong working relationships with freight and customs partners.

Compliance and regulatory

• Manage excise reporting, reconciliations and payments.
• Coordinate bonded stock movements and excise compliance.
• Keep licensing, insurance and regulatory obligations current.
• Handle CDS reporting and related compliance requirements.
• Ensure the business remains compliant across all operational areas.

Continuous improvement

• Track landed costs, operational KPIs and product margins.
• Find opportunities to improve efficiency and lower costs.
• Build systems and processes that can support future growth.
• Drive improvements across supply chain, inventory and logistics operations.

What success looks like

• Core products remain in stock without supply interruptions.
• Inventory forecasting and reporting are accurate.
• Production runs are completed smoothly and on schedule.
• Supplier, manufacturer and logistics relationships are strong and reliable.
• Excise and compliance obligations are completed accurately and on time.
• Inventory turns improve and supply chain costs come down.
• The operations platform is scalable enough to support rapid growth in Australia and internationally.

Why join Quips

• Be part of one of Australia’s fastest-growing drinks brands.
• Work directly with the founders and make a visible impact on the business.
• Help design systems and processes from the ground up.
• Gain exposure to national retail, international supply chains and global expansion.
• Join a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where ideas are acted on quickly.
• Receive free Quips stock allocation.
• Get access to selected Quips events, activations and brand experiences.

About you

• You have at least 3 years of experience in operations, supply chain, procurement or logistics.
• You bring strong organisational ability and project management discipline.
• You are highly detail-focused and reliable in follow-through.
• You are comfortable working with suppliers, manufacturers and logistics providers.
• You have strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in liquor, beverages or FMCG is considered a strong advantage.