The Senior Buyer will play a key role in managing purchasing activities, supplier relationships, product sourcing, cost negotiations and inventory planning.

Working closely with the Supply Chain Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of products while maintaining product quality, competitive pricing and reliable supply.

The role requires strong commercial awareness, excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced international food trading environment.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to purchasing strategies, identify opportunities for improvement and demonstrate the leadership capabilities required to take on greater responsibilities as the business grows.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Buyer will play a key role in managing purchasing activities, supplier relationships, product sourcing, cost negotiations and inventory planning.

Working closely with the Supply Chain Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of products while maintaining product quality, competitive pricing and reliable supply.

The role requires solid commercial awareness, excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced international food trading environment.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to purchasing strategies, identify opportunities for improvement and demonstrate the leadership capabilities required to take on greater responsibilities as the business grows.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Purchasing & Procurement Management

- Manage day-to-day purchasing activities across local and international suppliers.
- Prepare purchase requisitions, and raise, approve and issue purchase orders in accordance with company policy, procedures and negotiated terms and conditions.
- Negotiate competitive pricing, payment terms and supply agreements.




- Ensure purchasing activities align with customer requirements, sales forecasts and business objectives.
- Monitor supplier lead times and proactively manage potential supply disruptions.
- Review purchasing costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability.

2. Supplier Relationship Management

- Develop and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with existing local and international suppliers.
- Identify and evaluate recent suppliers, new items and alternative supply sources for existing items.
- Monitor supplier performance, including pricing, product quality, delivery reliability and service.
- Resolve supplier-related issues, including product shortages, quality concerns, pricing discrepancies and delivery delays.
- Manage supplier claims and grievances, and implement corrective and preventative actions for defective or unacceptable goods.
- Maintain the Samples Register and ensure suppliers are notified of relevant customer feedback.
- Conduct regular supplier reviews and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

3. Commercial & Cost Management

- Analyse purchasing costs, supplier pricing and market trends to support commercial decision-making.
- Work closely with the Sales and Finance teams to maintain competitive pricing and target profit margins.
- Identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising product quality or service.
- Review freight and other landed costs when evaluating sourcing options.

4. Inventory & Supply Planning

- Work closely with Sales, Logistics and Warehouse teams to ensure product availability and timely deliveries.
- Review sales forecasts and purchasing requirements to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Review stock on hand on a regular basis and report any anomalies or potential stock issues.
- Monitor inventory movements, product shelf life and expiry dates.
- Minimise excess inventory, stock shortages, product wastage and obsolescence.
- Coordinate purchasing schedules with supplier production and shipping lead times.
- Assist in forecasting annual volume projections for suppliers and in‑house products.
- Identify potential supply

📌 Senior Buyer (Melbourne)
🏢 Australian Fine Foods
📍 Melbourne