Procurement & Supply Chain Manager

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established, privately owned Australian manufacturer operating in the building products sector. The business is vertically integrated, handling in-house manufacturing, roll forming, and bending of steel components. Supported by private equity, the company is currently in a growth phase with a target of 20% revenue increase this financial year following a significant operational turnaround.

Role Overview

This newly created position reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer and is aimed at transforming procurement from a transactional activity into a strategic function. The role demands hands-on management of steel coil procurement — the single largest cost category — including leading RFQ processes and negotiating long-term supplier agreements with the objective of cost reduction.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of steel coil and other general components, overseeing two direct reports (Purchasing Officers).
• Lead requests for quotations and negotiate enduring supply agreements to achieve steel coil cost reduction targets.
• Take charge of inventory management activities, including MRP settings, maintaining minimum and maximum stock levels, and conducting trend analyses.
• Develop demand planning and forecasting procedures coordinated with sales and production teams.
• Create cost models in collaboration with the Finance department.
• Contribute to ERP upgrade projects including parts file cleanup and work order implementations.
• Administer commercial contracts, involving external legal counsel for complex contract reviews.
• Develop key performance indicators such as Delivery In Full On Time (DIFOT) and inventory turnover, and promote continuous improvement efforts.

Candidate Profile

• At least five years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management.
• Practical procurement experience within manufacturing environments, with a strong understanding of production processes, raw material sourcing, and supplier management.
• Experience in steel or coil procurement considered a significant advantage to expedite cost-saving goals.
• Experience in transitioning businesses from founder-led or unstructured operations to systematic processes.
• Comprehensive exposure to supply chain functions including demand planning, inventory control, and operations.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop and manage a small team.
• Proficiency with ERP systems preferred (experience with Pronto is beneficial), and comfort working with interim manual or Excel-based systems while moving toward system improvements.
• Strong negotiation skills, analytical capabilities, and familiarity with commercial contracts.
• A degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related discipline is desirable; certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, or Lean Six Sigma are advantageous.

Why Join

• An opportunity to establish a strategic procurement and supply chain function from inception rather than inheriting existing systems.
• Direct reporting line to the COO with executive exposure including the CEO.
• A fast-growing business with potential to expand responsibilities as new product lines are introduced.
• Competitive remuneration package along with superannuation benefits.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The company respects and acknowledges Traditional Custodians of the land and is dedicated to equal opportunity, promoting diversity, inclusion, accessibility, flexibility, and belonging. Adjustments can be provided during recruitment processes upon request.