Purchasing Lead

Mars Recruitment; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Recruitment in Melbourne seeks a Purchasing Lead to manage the procurement of goods across all sites and to lead a team of three purchasing officers. The role balances cost, quality and delivery, maintains stock availability and builds supplier relationships.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in procurement or supply chain, strong negotiation skills, and proven experience in purchasing processes, stock control, and cost management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain or purchasing roles.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage supplier pricing, terms and quality.
• Understanding of purchasing processes, stock replenishment, supplier evaluation and cost control.
• Proficient with MS Office, inventory systems and purchasing software management systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and manage the purchasing team of three officers.
• Develop and execute procurement strategy for local and international purchasing.
• Raise, adjust and finalise purchase orders (local and import) based on system recommendations and analysis.
• Negotiate and manage supplier relationships to ensure cost competitiveness, quality and delivery.
• Maintain optimal stock levels in collaboration with inventory, sales and operations.
• Collaborate with Finance to manage budgets, forecast spend and drive cost savings.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Negotiation

Supply chain

Stock management

Stakeholder comms

Team leadership

Tools

MS Office

Inventory systems

Purchasing software

Job description

Our client is an Australian company that supplies products and services for the building and construction industry. They also provide engineering, design, prefabrication, project logistics and technical support, rather than just selling products.

The business has established themselves as the true frontrunner in the building services industry. Their innovative approach has led to increased efficiencies in the construction industry.

Due to growth, the organisation is looking for a Purchasing Lead. The Purchasing Lead is responsible for managing the procurement of all goods required by the business across all warehouse locations. This role leads a team of three purchasing officers and ensures the optimal balance of cost, quality, and delivery across local and overseas supply channels. The position plays a critical role in maintaining stock availability, managing supplier relationships, and achieving cost-reduction targets without compromising service levels.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and manage the purchasing team.
• Develop and execute the procurement strategy for local and international purchasing.
• Raise, adjust, and finalise purchase orders (local and import) based on system recommendations and personal analysis.
• Negotiate and manage supplier relationships, ensuring cost competitiveness, quality standards, and delivery performance.
• Maintain optimal stock levels in collaboration with inventory, sales, and operations teams.
• Work closely with the Finance team to manage purchasing budgets, forecast spend, and drive cost-saving initiatives.

Key experience and skills required:

• Proven experience in procurement, supply chain or purchasing focused role (5 years+), ideally in a similar industry.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage supplier pricing, delivery terms, and quality requirements.
• Sound understanding of purchasing processes, stock replenishment, supplier evaluation, and procurement cost control.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, inventory systems, purchasing software management systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• The opportunity to work for a significant player and well-regarded specialist supplier in Australia's building sector.
• Provide marketing leading products and customised solutions.
• Referral, reward, and recognition programs.
• A supportive team environment and work atmosphere.
• Career progression a focus.