About the company
Our client is a leading Australian FMCG manufacturer,entering a significant phase of transformation driven by automation, operational efficiency and growth. With major capital investment underway, protein sourcing has become one of the most commercially critical functions in the business.
This role owns the organisation's largest and most complex sourcing portfolio (protein) which will have a direct impact on margin, production continuity and customer pricing.
About the opportunity
Reporting into the Head of Procurement, this role has been created to reset and future-proof the protein category. Historically transactional and relationship-led, the category now requires greater structure, commercial sophistication and risk management as the business scales.
The initial mandate (first 6–12 months) will focus on:
* Conducting a full diagnostic of the protein category, including supplier dependency, pricing mechanisms, formats, specifications and risk exposure
* Transitioning the category from reactive buying to a defined sourcing strategy with clear governance
* Developing and executing a protein category plan covering savings, continuity of supply, risk mitigation and capability uplift
* Providing credible, forward-looking market intelligence on beef and protein pricing and availability to inform executive decision-making
* Reducing key-person risk through stronger process, transparency and data-led decision making
This is not a steady-state role and will suit someone comfortable operating in ambiguity and shaping how a critical category evolves.
The role has direct exposure to senior leadership, with regular engagement on protein pricing, availability and outlook. The successful candidate will be comfortable presenting, influencing and constructively challenging at executive level.
What success looks like
* A structured, defensible and future-ready protein category
* Improved confidence in beef pricing, availability and supplier risk
* Strong alignment between sourcing strategy, automation and innovation
* Reduced reliance on reactive buying and individual relationships
* Procurement positioned as a commercial partner to the business
Ideal background
* Strong beef buying and protein sourcing experience is essential
* Background in FMCG manufacturing, protein processing, QSR or large-scale food businesses
* Proven capability managing volatile commodity markets
* Confident engaging with CEO and CFO-level stakeholders
* A blend of hands-on execution and strategic thinking
* Melbourne-based or willing to relocate
Why apply
This is a rare opportunity to own the most commercially significant category in a complex FMCG environment, influence executive decision-making on pricing and risk, and play a key role in shaping the future of protein sourcing during a period of transformation.
For more information or a confidential discussion, contact Christine Armadass on
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