About QVS
Queensland Veterinary Specialist (QVS) is Australia's longest established, privately owned 24/7 specialist group. We treat every pet as a cherished member of the family, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care. We have three Specialist and Emergency hospitals at Stafford, North Lakes and our newest hospital on the Sunshine Coast.
The Role
We are looking for a highly experienced
Inventory Manager
. This is a hands-on project role that will be instrumental in taking the business from its current stock management system to optimising the use of the inventory functionality within our practice management system, streamlining processes and increasing controls across our multi-site business.
This is a full time 12 month fixed term role, but beyond the initial term there is potential for a long term role within our wider network (Across Australia and New Zealand).
Each of our hospitals have strict regulatory controls and prior experience in managing pharmacy inventory, including prescription medicines, S8's, expiry dates and ensure proper stock rotation will be a major advantage in this role.
You will have experience in creating and managing purchasing orders and the entire stock process from start to finish however a key component of the role is to implement and design site dependent strategies for managing inventory across all sites on a daily basis.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Strategy & Control
* System Integrity & Management: Take complete ownership of the QVS inventory system. This includes ensuring data accuracy, product specifications, costing, and maintaining the integrity of all multi-site stock locations.
* Process Implementation: Audit and evaluate current inventory procedures and processes then design, recommend and implement updated systemised inventory system, including: effective rolling stocktakes, receiving protocols, picking/dispatch accuracy, and stock transfer procedures between hospitals.
* Accuracy & Valuation: Drive measurable improvements in inventory accuracy, reduce stock discrepancies, and produce accurate inventory valuation reports to the finance team.
* Demand Planning: Develop and execute demand forecasting models that integrate historical sales data, vendor lead-times and seasonality to ensure optimal stock levels and timely purchasing decisions.
Purchasing & Cost Management
* Supplier Relations & Negotiation: Lead the management of key supplier relationships. Conduct price negotiations, review contractual terms, and manage supplier performance (on-time delivery, quality, lead times) to drive down total acquisition costs.
* Purchasing Lifecycle: Manage the entire Purchase Order (PO) lifecycle from creation and confirmation through to goods receipting (GRN) and invoice reconciliation, ensuring adherence to budget and policy.
* Cost Savings Initiatives: Proactively identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within purchasing and hospital operations.
Multi-Site & Team Coordination
* Expansion Support: Act as the inventory subject matter expert for future expansion. Develop scalable inventory processes and provide system training and oversight for new sites and new staff.
* Operational Streamlining: Work closely with the Hospital operations teams to streamline workflow, improve physical stock flow, and ensure best practices are followed for storage and handling.
* Reporting: Prepare operational reports covering stock turnover, inventory valuation and forecast data.
Skills & Experience
Core Inventory Management Expertise
* Proven Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of dedicated experience in an Inventory Management role.
* Multi-Site Track Record: Mandatory proven experience managing and reconciling stock levels across two or more physical locations, including managing inter-site transfers and optimising stock distribution.
* Purchasing & Negotiation: Demonstrated success in leading supplier relations, negotiating favourable terms, lead times, and pricing, and achieving verifiable cost savings.
* Data Analysis: Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform inventory demand forecasting, statistical analysis, and derive actionable insights.
Systems and Technical Proficiency
* Inventory Management Software Experience: hands-on experience and system implementation knowledge using specialised Inventory Management or ERP software.
* Data Integrity Focus: A focus on master data integrity, including setting up and maintaining correct product lines.
* IT Savviness: High level of technical aptitude in using software to streamline ordering, stock processes, and reporting, with a history of driving system enhancements.
Leadership and Attributes
* Operational Ownership: A proactive approach to taking full ownership of the end-to-end stock management process, implementing procedures, and measures to increase efficiency and accuracy.
* Communication & Training: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to train warehouse staff on new procedures and processes.
* Relevant Qualifications: A tertiary qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
* Prior Experience: Prior experience in a similar role in Pharmacy, Health Care or Veterinary Care is highly regarded.
What we offer
A market-based salary package based on skills and experience will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
How to Get in Touch?
If you looking to join a dynamic team at the forefront of veterinary care, QVS welcomes your application.
Please send your applications to our Recruitment team