Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager – Pantry

Enfield NSW Location, or Open to Candidates Inner-City Melbourne

Our client is a well-established and rapidly growing food distribution business seeking an experienced Procurement Manager – Pantry to lead the forecasting, procurement, replenishment, and inventory management of their pantry and ambient product categories.

Reporting directly to the Head of Procurement, this is a leadership role responsible for ensuring product availability, optimising stock levels, strengthening supplier partnerships, and driving continuous improvement across procurement operations.

About the Role

As Procurement Manager, you will oversee the end-to-end procurement function for pantry and ambient products while leading a team of 3 Purchasing Officers across New South Wales and Victoria.

This role requires a commercially minded procurement professional who can balance demand planning, inventory optimisation, supplier performance, and team leadership to support business growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using historical data, trends, and business inputs.

• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Finance teams to align forecasts with business objectives.

• Monitor forecast accuracy and implement continuous improvements.

• Manage seasonal demand fluctuations, promotions, and external market factors.

Procurement & Supply Planning

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for pantry and ambient categories.

• Raise and manage purchase orders to ensure continuity of supply.

• Maintain optimal stock levels while minimising excess and obsolete inventory.

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including shortages and supplier delays.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

• Monitor supplier performance, service levels, lead times, pricing, and OTIF performance.

• Support contract negotiations and cost-saving initiatives.

• Resolve supply issues efficiently and proactively.

Inventory Management

• Drive inventory optimisation and stock turnover improvements.

• Manage slow-moving, excess, and obsolete inventory.

• Conduct range reviews and competitor pricing analysis.

• Monitor key procurement and inventory KPIs

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Purchasing Officers.

• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability.

• Drive a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement.

• Support workforce planning, capability development, and succession planning.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience within pantry, dry goods, grocery, or related industries

• Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or inventory management.

• Previous leadership experience managing procurement or purchasing teams.

• Strong demand planning and forecasting capability.

• Experience managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.

• Advanced inventory management and stock control knowledge.

• A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to drive efficiencies and cost savings.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to lead a critical procurement function within a growing organisation.

• Collaborative and supportive leadership team.

• Significant influence over procurement strategy and operational performance.

• Career development and progression opportunities.

• Competitive salary package.

If you are a driven procurement leader looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced and growing business, we would love to hear from you.