Retail Purchasing & Inventory Manager

The Company

Our client has an exceptional reputation for connecting the best of Western Australian produce with discerning and passionate food‑lovers. Financially well supported, with a strong growth trajectory and a commitment to local producers, the business now wishes to expand its leadership function in the very attractive South‑West of Western Australia.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Retail Purchasing & Inventory Manager is responsible for ensuring the right products are on the shelves at the right time across all locations. The role leads purchasing strategy, inventory management and supplier relationships for the Grocery Department, while providing leadership and support to retail supervisors and warehouse operations. Critical to success in this role is the ability to build and maintain trusted and close relationships with growers, producers, and suppliers. This is a hands‑on leadership role that combines strategic buying, disciplined inventory control and strong operational execution within a fast‑paced, multi‑site retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

The role will lead strategic purchasing and sourcing activities across the grocery category, developing supplier relationships locally, nationally and internationally.

• Negotiating pricing and trading terms, onboarding new suppliers and ensuring product ranging aligns with brand, quality and value objectives.
• Overseeing inventory management across all store locations, balancing availability with waste reduction and margin performance.
• Demand forecasting, stock optimisation, invoice accuracy, reconciliation and regular reporting on purchasing and inventory performance
• Ensuring efficient stock flow from receipt through to store replenishment.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of purchasing, receiving and inventory systems and processes.

As a senior leader, the role provides direction, mentoring and support to Retail Grocery Supervisors and associated teams, fostering consistency, accountability and a high‑performance culture across locations. The role also supports compliance with food safety, HACCP and OH&S requirements, ensuring audit‑ready systems and accurate documentation.

About You

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates will ideally possess the following:

• Experience in purchasing, procurement or category management within food retail, grocery or a related sector
• Excellent communication, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong inventory management capability, including forecasting, margin control and waste reduction
• Experience building and managing supplier relationships, including negotiation of pricing and service agreements
• Commercial acumen with the ability to analyse purchasing data and drive financial performance
• Leadership experience – with the ability to support, develop and motivate teams across multiple locations

Why This Role:

This role offers the opportunity to join a highly respected, values‑driven business with a strong growth trajectory. You will work closely with the CEO, influence key commercial outcomes and play a central role in shaping purchasing and inventory strategy for one of WA’s most iconic food retailers. In addition, this role may expand into a senior leadership position over time.

This is a key opportunity to use your background in retail, agribusiness, supply‑chain and/or hospitality and to reach new heights in your leadership career. An attractive salary package will be offered and this includes car allowance and the opportunity to participate in the group’s incentive scheme.

The lifestyle benefits in the South‑West cannot be overstated. With idyllic beaches, the beauty of the natural environment and access to modern social infrastructure (education, healthcare), never before has there been a better time to invest in or relocate to, the prized South‑West of Western Australia.

Rental and relocation assistance can be negotiated and sponsorship will be considered for appropriately experienced candidates with retail and/or hospitality sector experience.

Tagged as: buying (retail and consumer products)

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