Purchasing Manager - FMCG - Consumer goods - Whitsundays

Job Description

Purchasing Manager - FMCG - Consumer goods - Whitsundays With a strong and broad distributor portfolio of premium food products, this is an organisation that is strongly predicted to carve its name even deeper into the hearts of Central QLD consumers and the Australian Food Industry. Underpinned by a strong heritage of marketing and distributing premium consumer brands, the company has successfully created its unique position in the marketplace through clever product promotions, niche positioning and responding to market trends. This is an exciting time to join the team and relocate to the beautiful Whitsundays area. (relocation assistance available) Based at the head office and reporting to the General Manager - this role will be responsible for leading and managing all purchasing activities within the foodservice distribution business as well as 3 direct reports (2 purchasing officers and 1 category manager). This role requires a strategic mindset to ensure optimal inventory levels, vendor relations, cost efficiency, and compliance with food safety regulations. The Purchasing Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and consistency of products delivered to clients, while minimising costs and maintaining strong supplier relationships. The role Key Responsibilities Develop and implement purchasing strategies to ensure cost-effective sourcing of foodservice products (e.g., frozen goods, meats, chilled & dairy, dry goods, and packaging). Forecast demand based on sales trends, seasonality, and customer requirements, optimizing stock levels to ensure availability while minimising waste and obsolescence. Maintain optimal stock levels by closely monitoring inventory and coordinating with warehouse and sales teams to ensure alignment with demand. Implement and manage inventory control processes to minimise waste, prevent out of stocks, and ensure product freshness, especially for perishable items. Prepare and manage the department’s purchasing budget, ensuring alignment with overall company financial goals. Track and report on purchasing performance metrics, including cost savings, stock levels, and order accuracy. Identify opportunities for cost reduction through bulk purchasing, vendor negotiations, or process improvements without sacrificing product quality. Cross-functional Collaboration Work closely with sales, marketing, and warehouse teams to align procurement activities with customer demand, sales initiatives, and promotional activities. Collaborate with category managers to identify and source products that support new customer acquisitions and product range expansions. Liaise with the finance department to ensure accurate supplier payments and adherence to budgetary constraints. You: Ideally you are currently in a similar role and have been for 2-5 years managing the purchasing function for a foodservice company where you deal with food, packaging and chemical suppliers. However, if the experience is different but still relevant and in the food and FMCG industry, this would also still be of interest. Experience Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Purchasing Manager, preferably within the foodservice industry or a related distribution sector. Demonstrated experience in managing procurement of perishable and non-perishable food products. Proven ability to manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive cost-saving initiatives. Experience working with ERP systems for inventory and procurement management. Strong understanding of food safety standards and regulatory compliance (HACCP). Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to secure the best terms without sacrificing quality. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with industry trends in foodservice distribution, including knowledge of key suppliers, market pricing fluctuations, and seasonal demand cycles. Experience managing category-specific purchasing in areas like meat, dairy, frozen, dry, and packaging. This is an opportunity to really make your mark. You will be supported by a working environment and culture that would be arguably hard to equal in today’s business environment. Understandably, an attractive remuneration that includes base salary, super, and incentives based on costs savings opportunities will be offered to the successful candidate. For interstate candidates, a relocation package will be offered as well. For further information please contact Robbert Sindorf or alternatively please send your resume in Word format via the ‘apply’ button below. #J-18808-Ljbffr