Procurement Manager - Meat & Protein

Location: North-East (Please note, candidates will be required to relocate to the North-East for this position, it is a site based role in the Philadelpha region). Relocation assistance will be provided to suitable candidates.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to oversee purchasing, inventory planning and international logistics for a growing meat and protein business. This role will manage supplier relationships, coordinate imported product shipments and ensure stock availability aligns with forecasted customer demand and production requirements.

Working closely with Sales, Quality Assurance, Inventory Control and Production, the successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an efficient, compliant and cost-effective supply chain. A strong understanding of the meat industry, commodity market trends and international sourcing is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Inventory Planning

• Develop purchasing forecasts using historical demand, sales promotions, market intelligence and forward sales projections.

• Establish and maintain appropriate minimum and maximum inventory levels for imported products, working closely with Inventory Control.

• Monitor stock availability and incoming volumes to ensure purchasing decisions align with customer demand and production schedules.

• Source meat products from domestic processors, packers, distributors and alternative importers as required.

• Identify opportunities to improve supply continuity, purchasing efficiency and supplier competitiveness.

Supplier & Market Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, particularly across Australia, New Zealand and South America.

• Monitor beef and lamb market movements, international supply conditions, freight developments and wider industry trends.

• Use market intelligence resources, including Urner Barry, to inform purchasing decisions and provide actionable insights.

• Prepare and distribute weekly market updates covering pricing trends, import activity, supply constraints and relevant industry developments.

• Attend key industry events and conferences, including MICA, to strengthen industry knowledge and develop supplier relationships.

• Work with suppliers to improve shipment forecasting, communication and longer-term sustainable sourcing initiatives.

• Partner with Retail and Foodservice sales teams to provide timely updates on market conditions, product availability and potential supply challenges.

Import Logistics & Compliance

• Coordinate international shipments and work with relevant parties to ensure timely customs clearance and delivery.

• Oversee import documentation, ensuring records are accurate, complete and available to meet regulatory and customer requirements.

• Monitor supplier certifications and other compliance documents, coordinating with Quality Assurance to ensure they remain current for SQF audits.

• Manage documentation relating to Certificates of Analysis, health certificates and product rejections, ensuring the necessary paperwork reaches the plant before delivery.

• Resolve shipment delays, documentation issues and other import-related challenges in collaboration with suppliers, customs partners and internal teams.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as the key link between Procurement and Sales, ensuring purchasing plans reflect customer requirements and commercial priorities.

• Communicate expected shipment arrivals and product availability to Production to support effective manufacturing planning.

• Maintain clear visibility of forward inventory volumes, incoming shipments and potential supply risks.

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to resolve supply issues and support overall operational performance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of five years' experience in procurement, purchasing or supply chain management within the meat industry.

• Experience managing inventory, demand forecasting and purchasing plans in a food processing or distribution environment.

• Knowledge of international sourcing and import logistics, ideally involving Australia, New Zealand and/or South America.

• Understanding of import/export requirements, customs procedures and relevant food safety documentation.

• Familiarity with SQF standards, supplier certifications and audit preparation is advantageous.

• Experience using ERP systems and inventory management or forecasting tools.

• Strong Excel skills, with the ability to analyse data and translate market information into purchasing decisions.

• Knowledge of meat commodity markets and industry intelligence platforms such as Urner Barry is preferred.

• Excellent supplier management, negotiation, communication and organisational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, documentation requirements and shipment timelines in a fast-paced environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related discipline preferred; an advanced degree is advantageous.