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 current 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
Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask
High attention to detail
Strong problem-solving capabilitiesProfessional 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)
As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
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📌 Purchasing Officer (Ballarat)
🏢 Natures Cargo
📍 Ballarat