Logistics & Purchasing Manager 12 months FTC

• Hybrid working
• Lead a significant 12-month transformation project

Our client is a major industrial distributor supplying a diverse range of infrastructure and construction products across Australia and New Zealand. Team members work across operations, warehousing, procurement, sales and customer support — united by a culture of pace, accountability, and continuous improvement. As the business evolves, it is investing heavily in operational excellence, supply chain transformation, and data-driven performance improvement.
 
The Opportunity
This is a strategic leadership role that will drive a high-impact, 12-month transport optimisation project. As Logistics & Purchasing Manager, you’ll lead initiatives to improve fleet performance, streamline freight operations, and strengthen cost control across the national network.
The role sits at the intersection of logistics and purchasing — providing visibility, accountability, and insight as state branches assume greater P&L ownership. You’ll work closely with state managers, the Head of Product Supply Chain, and other senior stakeholders to embed new ways of working that enhance efficiency and deliver measurable savings.
 
Key Responsibilities & Objectives
 
Strategic Priorities:

1. Fleet Optimisation – Maximise utilisation and efficiency of the company’s own transport fleet.
2. Cost Reduction – Deliver meaningful reductions in freight spend through smarter routing, procurement, and carrier management.
3. Accountability & Influence – Use performance data (via Cario and Rodaro systems) to drive state-level accountability, enhance decision-making, and improve operational standards such as loading, dispatch, and scheduling.

Core Activities Include:

• Negotiate freight rates and manage key relationships with subcontracted transport providers.
• Analyse inter-branch transfers and carrier selection to identify efficiency gains.
• Deliver actionable, data-driven insights to influence and support state managers.
• Collaborate with the purchasing team on selected direct and indirect procurement areas — offering scope to broaden your commercial and sourcing experience.

Your Profile
 
Required:

• Proven background in logistics, transport, or supply chain management.
• Demonstrated success in cost optimisation, performance analytics, and KPI delivery.
• Highly analytical, comfortable working with complex data to identify trends and drive change.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-influencing skills.

Preferred:

• Experience using logistics software platforms such as Cario or Rodaro (or similar).
• Exposure to purchasing or procurement activities (development opportunity provided).
• Experience in industrial, construction, or distribution environments.