Overview
The Organisation. This is a respected Australian engineering-led business operating in a project-based manufacturing environment. The organisation is in a clear growth phase, with strong demand, a solid national reputation, and a culture that values practical thinking and continuous improvement. Procurement has historically been operational in nature, and the business is now investing in a more strategic, forward-looking capability to better manage spend, suppliers, and their inventory.
The Opportunity
This is a newly created Procurement Manager role, offered on a part-time basis (3 days per week specifically), with genuine scope to shape how procurement operates across the business. You'll take ownership of the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, moving the function from reactive purchasing to a more structured, commercially disciplined approach. The initial focus will be on gaining visibility of the supplier base and materials spend, establishing fit-for-purpose processes, and implementing a tender framework to deliver early commercial wins. Over time, the role will broaden into category management, supplier rationalisation, inventory optimisation and embedding better procurement ways of working across the organisation. With visibility of approximately $10m in annual materials spend, this role suits someone experienced, confident, and comfortable operating in a greenfield environment where systems exist but require shaping and optimisation.
Travel
The successful individual will be required to travel to a regional site twice per month for 2 days. Accommodation will be covered, outside of this the position can be based remotely.
Key areas of focus
* Establishing a strategic procurement framework initially across direct materials
* Reviewing supplier performance, spend, and commercial value, identifying savings opportunities
* Implementing RFQ processes and improving procurement discipline
* Owning inventory strategy, including reduction initiatives, obsolescence management and stock optimisation
* Building strong relationships with engineers, project teams and the wider business
* Leading and supporting a Purchasing Officer responsible for day-to-day project requirements
What success looks like in the first 12 months
* Clear visibility of spend, suppliers and materials categories
* Procurement processes and systems mapped, refined and embedded
* Delivery of early cost savings and improved commercial outcomes
* Strong stakeholder confidence in procurement capability and approach
* Positive feedback from suppliers and internal teams on collaboration and decision-making
Skills and Experience Required
You'll bring extensive experience across procurement, purchasing and inventory management, ideally having set up or rebuilt procurement functions in environments with low existing maturity. You're commercially astute, solutions-focused, and comfortable operating in practical, engineer-led cultures. Experience working with ERP or MRP systems is important, as is exposure to RFQ processes, supplier negotiations and cost improvement initiatives. Experience of working within the Engineering space historically is highly important, the ability to communicate with highly technical stakeholders will be a key element to success in this position.
How to Apply
If this sounds like you, hit apply now or contact Etienne Pommey on EtienneP@sixdegreesexecutive.com.au for a confidential discussion. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to connect with me via email or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/etienne-pommey/. This is an exciting opportunity to join a market leading organisation, I look forward to discussing this with you further.
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