Operations manager

WZ CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully maintained company vehicle

Direct access to owner and authority

Growth opportunity

Job summary

Lamcal, a building materials wholesale and distribution business based in Heidelberg, Melbourne VIC, seeks a commercially minded Operations Manager to lead purchasing, trade sales, stock and warehouse operations.

You will work with the teams to ensure right materials at the right price, delivered on time, while negotiating with suppliers and supporting growth of trade accounts. A hands-on leadership approach is essential.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' management experience in building materials, trade supplies, construction wholesale or distribution.
• Experience overseeing purchasing, trade sales, warehousing and transport.
• Strong commercial judgement on pricing, margins, stock and costs.

Responsibilities

• Manage stock levels, forecast demand, negotiate supplier pricing and terms.
• Lead counter sales, quotes, margins and repeat business.
• Coordinate receiving, storage, picking and dispatch; plan vehicle schedules.
• Set expectations, train staff and monitor service and productivity.
• Monitor margins, stock turnover and costs; identify profitability improvements.
• Maintain safe yard, warehouse and transport operations and compliance.
• Collaborate with owner to grow trade accounts and supplier relationships.

Skills

Stock management

Negotiation

Leadership

Purchasing

Trade sales

Supplier relationships

Workplace safety

Software literacy

Education

Relevant management experience in building materials/wholesale

Tools

Inventory software

Job description

We're looking for a commercially minded, hands‑on Operations Manager to lead the daily operations of our building materials wholesale and distribution business. You'll take ownership of purchasing, trade sales, stock management, warehouse operations and deliveries—ensuring our customers receive the right materials, at the right price, on time. This is an active leadership role. You'll work alongside the trade counter, warehouse and delivery teams, negotiate with suppliers, build relationships with builders and contractors, and keep the business running efficiently and profitably.

Key responsibilities

• Manage stock levels, forecast demand, reduce slow‑moving stock, and negotiate competitive supplier pricing, rebates and payment terms
• Lead counter sales and account management, oversee project quotes, protect margins and help secure repeat business
• Coordinate receiving, storage, picking and dispatch. Plan vehicle and driver schedules to meet customers' site requirements
• Set clear expectations, organise rosters, train staff and hold the team accountable for service, productivity and performance
• Monitor sales, gross margins, stock turnover and operating costs. Identify practical improvements that increase profitability
• Maintain safe yard, warehouse and transport operations, including relevant workplace safety, heavy vehicle and Chain of Responsibility requirements
• Work with the owner to grow trade accounts, expand supplier relationships and identify new product opportunities

About you

• At least 3–5 years' relevant management experience in building materials, trade supplies, construction wholesale or distribution
• Experience overseeing purchasing, trade sales, warehousing and transport
• Strong commercial judgement, including an understanding of pricing, gross margins, stock control and operating costs
• Confident negotiation skills and the ability to build lasting supplier and customer relationships
• A practical leadership style and willingness to step in when the team needs support
• Working knowledge of workplace safety and transport compliance
• Confidence using inventory, sales and business management software
• A current full Australian driver's licence

About us

Lamcal is a building materials wholesale and distribution business based in Heidelberg, Melbourne VIC.

• Fully maintained company vehicle
• Direct access to the owner and genuine authority to improve operations
• The opportunity to play a key role in growing the business