Natures Cargo is an award-winning, family-owned and operated wholesale foodservice distributor with more than 40 years’ experience in the industry. With distribution centres in Ballarat, Thomastown and Traralgon, we supply over 7,500 frozen, refrigerated and dry goods to cafés, restaurants, caterers, healthcare providers and other foodservice businesses across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

We are looking for an organised and detail-oriented Purchasing Officer to join our Purchasing team based at our Ballarat office, reporting to the Purchasing Manager. This is a fixed-term, full-time maternity leave replacement role for 12 months, working Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

In this role, you will support purchasing activities across our three sites by maintaining stock availability, coordinating supplier orders, updating ERP data and helping ensure products are delivered accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities

- Monitor stock levels to ensure minimum stock requirements are maintained
- Obtain quotations from approved suppliers, including freight costs
- Raise and place purchase orders in Pronto for all three sites
- Track order dispatches and ETAs to ensure timely delivery
- Liaise with internal departments to provide updates on orders, stock collections, due dates, shortages and other order-related matters
- Maintain and update ERP data, including pricing, product codes, unit quantities, minimum order quantities (MOQs) and other product information.
- Assist with customer delivery-related complaints (e.g. damaged goods, use-by/best-before dates, short or over deliveries, incorrect products), including coordinating returns and replacements
- Assist in managing inventory approaching use-by or best-before dates to minimise waste and maximise stock utilisation.
- Maintain accurate records of purchased products, delivery information and invoices
- Prepare purchasing reports, including trend analysis on seasonal products, shelf life and cost analysis
- Utilise AI-powered tools,



data analytics and forecasting techniques to support purchasing decisions, optimise inventory levels and improve operational efficiency

Skills and Attributes

- Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Purchasing Officer (foodservice industry experience highly regarded)
- Proven ability to negotiate with both new and existing suppliers
- Strong understanding of terms and conditions, contractual arrangements and logistics processes
- Experience using ERP systems, with Pronto experience highly desirable
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers
- Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a team
- Robust organisational skills with the ability to multitask
- High attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving capabilities
- Professional presentation and conduct at all times

Why Join Us? Staff discounts on a wide range of products

Family-owned business with a strong reputation in Victoria

Opportunities to learn and develop within a growing organisation

Variety and autonomy in your day-to-day responsibilities

Free on-site parking

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

How to Apply

If you enjoy building supplier relationships, managing inventory and contributing to a fast-paced foodservice business, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your application with an up-to-date resume and cover letter outlining why you would like to join the Natures Cargo team.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

This position is available for an immediate start; therefore, interviews may commence before the application closing date.

This role is subject to a satisfactory police check, pre-employment medical, and drug and alcohol testing as conditions of employment.

Please note only applicants with valid working rights will be considered. We respectfully decline all applications through agencies.

📌 Purchasing Officer (Ballarat)
🏢 Natures Cargo
📍 Ballarat