- Strategic sourcing leadership - Category strategy, supplier partnerships, commercial governance
- Fruit and vegetable sourcing - Frozen, IQF, chilled and aseptic ranges, with seasonal commodity purchasing and local and global supply
- National food manufacturing footprint - Visible commercial and operational influence

About Us: With a proud heritage dating back to 1929, Edlyn Foods has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally recognised Australian foodservice manufacturer, supplying a broad range of quality Beverage, Bakery, Dessert, Condiment and Culinary products to the foodservice industry.

With manufacturing facilities in Victoria (Epping & Maryborough), Queensland (Nerang) and South Australia (Dublin), and supported by national sales and distribution networks, Edlyn Foods is continuing its trajectory of strategic growth and operational excellence.

With our portfolio including an expanding range of locally and internationally sourced frozen, chilled and IQF fruit and vegetable products, we are seeking a commercially astute Strategic Procurement Manager. The initial priority will be continuity and commercial improvement of this portfolio, with opportunities to support strategic sourcing across the wider Edlyn Group.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the CEO, this role will develop and deliver sourcing strategies for assigned categories, initially focusing on our fruit and vegetable portfolio, while contributing to broader procurement improvements across Edlyn Foods.

This role will work alongside our existing Procurement Manager and Category Manager - Ingredients, without direct people management responsibility initially. It will focus on hands-on commercial sourcing, supplier relationships and category improvements, with clear accountability for assigned categories.

You will work closely with site leaders, the Procurement team, Operations, Quality and Finance to align purchasing decisions with demand, supply continuity, inventory investment, landed costs and business goals.

Your responsibilities will be wide ranging with some of the main tasks for this role being (but not limited to):





- Develop and implement sourcing and purchasing strategies for assigned categories, initially frozen, IQF, chilled and aseptic fruit and vegetables, with scope to support other Edlyn categories over time.
- Manage hands-on sourcing and seasonal commodity purchasing for the fruit and vegetable portfolio, balancing local and international supply, market pricing, quality grades, cold chain, landed cost and purchase timing.
- Maintain and strengthen key supplier relationships, contracts and import processes; ensure structured knowledge transfer and continuity of established purchasing arrangements.
- Lead category sourcing projects and supplier negotiations, including seasonal purchase plans, longer-term agreements, alternative supply options and practical cost improvements.
- Review inventory and stockholding strategies, balancing purchasing opportunities against demand forecasts, shelf life, cold storage costs, working capital and supply risk; establish practical category performance reporting.

Key Criteria for Success To excel in this role, you will demonstrate expertise and experience in the following areas:

- Global Sourcing & Direct Importation - Demonstrated hands-on experience with overseas suppliers, shipping and freight, customs, trade compliance, landed-cost calculations and FX exposure, ideally in seasonal food commodities.
- Fruit & Vegetable Category Knowledge - Understanding of frozen, IQF, chilled and aseptic products, quality grading, seasonal supply, commodity buying cycles, cold chain and the implications for pricing and stockholding.
- Commercial & Financial Acumen - Strong practical skills in commodity pricing, purchasing decisions, cost modelling, contract negotiation, inventory economics, working capital and risk management.
- Stakeholder Collaboration - Ability to work effectively with the CEO,



Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Operations, Quality and Finance, influencing outcomes without direct line-management authority.
- Supplier Negotiation & Continuity - Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers, maintain critical relationships, manage supply risk and document purchasing knowledge and supplier performance.

Who we are looking for: We are seeking a commercially minded, hands-on procurement qualified who can independently develop and execute category sourcing strategies, protect supply continuity and progressively improve procurement practices. You will bring:

- 7+ years of relevant procurement, commodity purchasing or commercial sourcing experience in food manufacturing, FMCG or similar sectors; experience with fruit and vegetables or seasonal commodities is highly regarded.
- Proven success in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation and supplier governance across multiple sites or business units.
- Practical experience in international sourcing, seasonal buying, supplier negotiations, import logistics and managing price and supply volatility.
- Sound understanding of supply risk, commercial contract principles and ethical sourcing frameworks.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including landed-cost modelling, inventory and working capital trade-offs, and contract structures.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working across functions (Operations, Finance, Procurement, Quality).
- Familiarity with ERP systems, procurement technology and data-driven reporting.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgment and the ability to influence decisions.

This is an opportunity to make a direct commercial impact on a growing food manufacturing group, initially by strengthening the sourcing and supply continuity of our fruit and vegetable portfolio, and over time by contributing to wider procurement improvements. Please apply via the appropriate links below including a copy of your most recent resume and a short covering letter outlining your suitability to this position.

📌 Strategic Procurement Manager (Epping)
🏢 Edlyn Foods
📍 Epping