Supply Chain Manager

HBT Group; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

HBT GmbH is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to lead end-to-end procurement, logistics, warehousing and inventory management for the Australia group. You will align people, processes and systems to deliver cost-effective and safe material delivery and support business growth.

You will drive strategy, supplier relationships, risk management and continuous improvement across a global mining equipment environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of supply chain experience in manufacturing or complex industrial environments.
• Commercial and operational expertise including supplier negotiation, contract management, inventory controls, freight coordination, and mine compliance logistics.
• Strong technical proficiency with ERP systems and Excel.
• Proven leadership and change-management skills with ability to develop teams and drive continuous improvement.
• Key behaviors: strategic thinking, commercial judgment, structured problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end supply chain strategy and leadership aligning with business objectives.
• Oversee procurement, logistics, and warehousing with accountable teams and clear metrics.
• Manage end-to-end logistics and freight, including compliance for dangerous goods and oversized cargo.
• Oversee warehouse operations, inventory control, and space optimisation.
• Coordinate planning, demand forecasting, and MRP; monitor budgets and performance metrics.
• Promote data quality and optimisation of ERP usage; drive root-cause problem-solving and standardized SOPs.

Skills

Supply chain leadership

Procurement

Logistics

Inventory management

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Supplier negotiation

Contract management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Formal qualification (desirable)

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

HBT GmbH, headquarters in Luenen, NRW, Germany, is a world-class machine manufacturer and fully integrated single solution provider – specialising in systems and equipment for underground coal mining. The company exports its high-performance longwall mining equipment to all major mining markets worldwide, strategically located in 15 countries including Australia.

The core HBT facilities have the capability for research, development, design, manufacture and testing of longwall mining equipment in-house. All HBT products and systems are produced to the highest standards and compliant with international regulatory requirements.

In addition to machine manufacturing, HBT also manufactures high-quality OE parts and provides world-class support services for their equipment to ensure their customers succeed.

About the role:

Position Purpose:

Supporting HBT Australia Group Nationally, the Supply Chain Manager, you will lead and optimise end-to-end operations across procurement, logistics, warehousing, and inventory management to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and safe delivery of materials and services. This role establishes an integrated, accountable supply chain function by aligning people, processes, systems, and performance expectations to support business operations and growth. By balancing daily operational needs with long-term strategic planning, you will drive stakeholder collaboration, strengthen supplier relationships, manage commercial risk, and continuously enhance overall supply chain performance.

The Supply Chain Managers key responsibilities include:

Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership:

• Implementing an integrated supply chain strategy aligned with overall business objectives and growth plans.
• Integrating Procurement, Logistics, and Warehousing into a cohesive, accountable team with clear roles and performance metrics.
• Translating priorities into measurable plans that reduce costs, enhance service delivery, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
• Developing short- and long-term capability plans while partnering with senior leadership to manage capacity and mitigate risks.
• Fostering a collaborative environment focused on ownership, customer focus, and continuous improvement.

Procurement and Supplier Management:

• Leading competitive, compliant procurement activities to ensure reliable sourcing of materials and services.
• Building effective supplier relationships and negotiate optimal commercial terms, pricing, and service levels.
• Monitoring supplier performance against quality, cost, and delivery standards while mitigating risks and supply disruptions.
• Leveraging group-wide buying power, consolidate purchasing, and reduce the total cost of ownership.
• Partnering closely with internal teams to align procurement with technical specifications, schedules, and customer commitments.

Logistics and Freight Management:

• Managing end-to-end logistics and trade compliance, encompassing inbound and outbound freight, transport bookings, shipment tracking, import/export customs clearance, and specialized handling for dangerous goods or oversized cargo.
• Optimising carrier performance and transport costs, by reviewing transport contracts, monitoring service reliability, consolidating shipments, and identifying opportunities to reduce expenditure.
• Coordinating operational schedules and internal stakeholders, by monitoring inbound supply, ensuring outbound deliveries meet customer specifications, and prioritising urgent shipments for mining and industrial operations.

Warehouse and Inventory Management:

• Leading Warehouse teams in overseeing warehouse operations and space optimisation, encompassing receipting, storage, picking, packing, dispatch, material traceability, and workflow efficiency.
• Maintaining inventory accuracy and policy compliance, by managing stock levels, cycle counts, stocktakes, and balancing product availability against working capital and holding costs.
• Optimising replenishment, demand planning, and risk mitigation, through collaboration with procurement, turnover monitoring, obsolescence control, and critical component tracking.

Planning, Coordination and Operational Support:

• Facilitating effective communication and cross-functional coordination between Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse, Operations, Production, Sales, and Finance;
• Developing visibility over material requirements and supporting demand forecasting and material requirements planning (MRP);
• Proactively identifying supply constraints, material shortages, and delays, and establishing clear escalation processes for critical issues;
• Managing the supply chain budget and tracking performance metrics to evaluate procurement savings, cost avoidance, and operational efficiencies;
• Optimising the use of company ERP and reporting systems while improving data quality, accuracy, and automation opportunities;
• Leading structured root-cause problem-solving to resolve recurring delivery, cost, or quality issues and sustaining improvements;
• Establishing and maintaining standardized operating procedures, controls, and documentation across all supply chain functions; and
• Promoting a proactive safety culture across all activities and participating in risk assessments, audits, and corrective action processes.

About you:

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a Supply Chain Manager, Procurement Manager, Logistics Manager or comparable leadership role (formal qualification is desirable).

Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of supply chain experience in manufacturing or complex industrial environments, encompassing procurement, logistics, warehousing, and inventory management.
• Demonstrated commercial and operational expertise, including supplier negotiation, contract management, inventory controls, freight coordination, and mine compliance logistics.
• Strong technical proficiency, with advanced capabilities in ERP systems, inventory management software, and Microsoft Office (Excel).
• Proven leadership and change management skills, with experience developing teams, establishing accountability, and driving continuous improvement.
• Key behavioural strengths, including strategic thinking, commercial judgment, structured problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Adaptability: Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic mining and industrial environment with changing customer, supplier and operational requirements.
• Integrity and professionalism: Commitment to ethical procurement, transparent decision-making, confidentiality and compliance with company policies

You will have the opportunity to be a part of a growing business in a global organisation operating locally. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a positive work environment, we encourage you to apply for this role opportunity.

HBT Australia is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workforce.