Procurement Manager

Custom Denning; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Custom Denning, Australia’s only local fully electric bus manufacturer, seeks an experienced Procurement Manager in Sydney to lead a four‑person team and own end‑to‑end procurement across local and international supply chains. You will drive category performance, align with engineering and production, and deliver cost‑effective, compliant supply for on‑time bus production.

You will shape procurement strategy, manage supplier relationships, and lead ESG and compliance reporting while partnering

Qualifications

• 8+ years of procurement or supply chain experience in manufacturing or engineering.
• Proven experience leading international procurement and supplier relationships.
• Strong track record negotiating major contracts and reducing cost.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional collaboration with engineering, production and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of procurement professionals to deliver strategy and performance.
• Own procurement strategy for a production line with thousands of items to ensure on‑time supply.
• Partner with engineering and production on BOM alignment and supplier qualification.
• Oversee international sourcing and management of long‑lead components.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and lead major contract negotiations.
• Provide monthly procurement reporting and risk management for leadership.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Cross-functional collaboration

BOM-driven procurement

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytics & reporting

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

At Custom Denning, we're a proudly Australian manufacturer and at the forefront of designing, manufacturing, and supporting next‑generation transport solutions such as zero‑emissions electric buses.

As public transport transitions to cleaner technologies, Custom Denning plays a critical role in delivering compliant, high‑performance vehicles that meet stringent regulatory, safety and contractual requirements. Join a respected manufacturer where contract discipline, accountability and delivery excellence truly matter.

We're now seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead our procurement function, managing a team of three and taking ownership of strategic sourcing, supplier management, and end‑to‑end procurement performance across local and international supply chains.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to Chief Operating Officer, the Procurement Manager will lead a team of 4 procurement professionals and take full ownership of procurement strategy, supplier relationships, and category performance across vehicle components and raw materials. You will work closely with engineering, production, quality, and finance leadership to ensure cost‑effective, compliant, and reliable supply that supports on‑time bus production, while building the capability and performance of your team.

This role suits a commercially astute procurement leader with strong people management experience and a background in manufacturing, automotive, rolling stock, or heavy engineering.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4 procurement officers, setting priorities, managing performance, and building team capability
• Own procurement strategy across a production line with over 7,000 individual items, ensuring on‑time supply to avoid production delays
• Partner with engineering and production leadership on BOM alignment, technical sourcing strategy, and supplier qualification
• Oversee management of long‑lead and critical components to protect production schedules
• Lead end‑to‑end procurement activities across local and international suppliers, with particular oversight of overseas/international supply chains
• Drive strategic cost reduction initiatives and lead negotiation of major commercial contracts and outcomes
• Identify, manage, and escalation procurement and supply chain risks, particularly within international sourcing
• Own monthly procurement reporting, insights, and performance metrics for senior leadership
• Monitor procurement schedules across the team, proactively resolving escalations and supply issues
• Lead ESG, modern slavery, and local content reporting requirements across the procurement function

ABOUT YOU

• You are a confident, hands‑on procurement leader who understands the realities of manufacturing environments and complex, international supply chains, and who is equally comfortable managing people as managing suppliers.
• 8+ years' experience in procurement or supply chain roles within manufacturing or engineering, including demonstrated people leadership/team management experience
• Proven experience managing international/overseas procurement and supply chains
• Strong track record negotiating major commercial contracts and managing key supplier relationships
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functionally with engineering, production, and quality teams
• Sound understanding of BOM‑driven procurement and change control
• Strong leadership, analytical, commercial, and stakeholder management skills

Highly desirable:

• Experience in bus, truck, automotive, rail, or defence manufacturing
• ERP/MRP experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary package, reviewed annually
• A rare opportunity to join Australia's only local, fully electric bus manufacturer
• Stable, full‑time permanent position within a growing, future‑focused business
• A supportive, down‑to‑earth team culture underpinned by a strong safety focus
• Hands‑on exposure to cutting‑edge electric vehicle manufacturing technology
• A modern, purpose‑built production facility based in Sydney
• The chance to shape and mature the safety and quality framework of a growing Australian manufacturer
• Direct access to senior leadership, with real scope to influence business outcomes

At Custom Denning, we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.