If you're looking for a role where every day brings something new, we’ve got the perfect opportunity for you! We're on the hunt for a proactive and detail-oriented Purchasing & Production Team Leader to join our dynamic team in Dandenong South. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love keeping things running smoothly, we want to hear from you!

About Us:

State Schools’ Relief has been making a difference in Victorian government schools for decades, ensuring that students feel included, supported, and valued. As a vital part of our social enterprise, you’ll work in an environment where every item sold contributes to a greater cause – giving back to the students who need it most.

State Schools’ Relief is an established and respected charity that has a long and proud history of serving Victorian government school students. It is widely recognised across the community and, especially throughout schools, across the state.

Position Overview:

Located in our Dandenong South office and reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Purchasing & Production Team Leader position will be responsible for end-to-end procurement of a range of stock and the coordination of embroidery as required. This role works as part of a close-knit team of two and leads the Purchasing & Production Coordinator role to assist with day-to-day operations.

Working collaboratively with the Sales and Warehouse teams, this position will be responsible for the introduction of new garments and uniform items, managing adequate stock levels and ensuring all stock purchasing and embroidery production is carried out in a timely and efficient manner.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to.

• Develop, streamline, and improve processes for purchasing stock and embroidery production of items.
• Ensure adequate stock levels are maintained for all inventory items throughout the year, ensuring the stock levels align with peak and non-peak seasons.
• Form strong working relationships with suppliers to ensure quality standards and competitive pricing are maintained.
• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to plan for forward orders based on current trends and seasonal requirements.
• Inventory optimisation, including analysing demand patterns, sales forecasts, and historical data to ascertain the ideal stock levels, reorder points, and safety stock levels.
• Prevention of stockouts whilst minimising surplus inventory, thereby reducing holding costs and maximizing working capital.
• Execute the procurement process comprehensively, from initiation to completion. This includes identifying the organisation's purchasing requirements, fostering relationships with suppliers, soliciting price quotations, negotiating contracts or agreements, and confirming purchase orders.
• Ensure procurement of materials and services meet the requisite quality, quantity, and specifications, while maximising value for money.
• Identify dependable and cost-effective suppliers (non-affiliates), negotiating favourable terms and pricing, and fostering robust communication channels.
• Consistently assess supplier performance and explore avenues for enhancement, such as optimising the procurement process or identifying alternative suppliers.
• Maintain and ensure compliance with all organisational policies, specifically around procurement, purchasing and pricing.
• Continuous improvement, including monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), analysing procurement data, and identifying opportunities for process optimisation, automation, and efficiency gains.

Skills and experience required.

• A minimum of 5+ years in a purchasing and/or production or similar role.
• Experience working with an inventory or ERP system to manage forecasts, planning, resources, and inventory.
• Experience in clothing / fashion industry – school uniform and embroidery experience highly desirable.
• Working within purchasing and inventory budgets.
• Excellent communication and written skills
• Highly proficient with Microsoft excel and other Microsoft office products.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across various departments.
• Innovative problem-solving skills and proactive management of inventory and purchasing processes.
• Attitude of a self-starter with the ability to work autonomously.

Desirable

• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Commercial acumen and a collaborative working style.
• Knowledge of clothing / school uniform industry and embroidery process – highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central.

Please note: Applications will be assessed as they are received. The interview process may commence prior to the closing date and, if a suitable applicant is found, the role may close early. We would encourage applications to be received as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.