Senior Procurement & Strategic Sourcing Manager

Lead the Commercial Transformation of a Growing Australian Manufacturer

Location: Ballarat, Victoria

Southern Spreaders is one of Australia's leading manufacturers of agricultural equipment and is entering a significant period of growth and diversification. Having introduced Ekebol Tilt Trays into our manufacturing portfolio for our parent company, we are investing in the next stage of our business and are seeking an exceptional procurement leader to help shape our future.

This is not a traditional purchasing role.

We are looking for a commercially astute procurement professional with a proven history of delivering substantial material cost reductions, strengthening supply chains, and building strategic supplier partnerships that create long-term competitive advantage.

You will work closely with the executive team to challenge existing procurement practices, identify opportunities across our supply base, and implement strategies that deliver measurable improvements to profitability without compromising quality, innovation, or customer service.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on strategic leadership role where your commercial judgement and negotiation expertise will directly influence the profitability and growth of the business.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and executing a best-practice procurement strategy across multiple product lines.

• Conducting detailed spend analysis to identify and prioritise cost reduction opportunities.

• Leading high-value commercial negotiations with local and international suppliers.

• Reviewing supplier performance, contracts, and sourcing strategies to maximise value.

• Identifying alternative suppliers, technologies, and materials that improve competitiveness.

• Managing procurement risk and strengthening supply chain resilience.

• Working closely with engineering, operations, and finance to drive continuous improvement and value engineering initiatives.

• Establishing procurement systems, reporting, and KPIs that support long-term operational excellence.

About You

You are recognised for your commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver results.

You have successfully led procurement transformation within manufacturing or engineering environments and have consistently achieved significant cost savings through disciplined analysis, supplier engagement, and strong commercial negotiation.

You will bring:

• Extensive senior procurement or strategic sourcing experience in manufacturing, engineering, automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial sectors.

• A demonstrable record of delivering large procurement savings and measurable business improvements.

• Outstanding negotiation and contract management skills.

• Strong financial and analytical capability with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

• The confidence to influence stakeholders at every level of the organisation.

• Experience leading procurement change and developing high-performing supplier networks.

• A continuous improvement mindset and the drive to challenge the status quo.

Qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, Commerce, or Business will be highly regarded.

Why Join Southern Spreaders?

This is a rare opportunity to become a key member of a growing Australian manufacturing business where your expertise will have a direct and lasting impact.

You will join an organisation that values innovation, practical thinking, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will enjoy genuine autonomy, the opportunity to influence executive decision-making, and the satisfaction of seeing their initiatives translate into improved business performance.

An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant and will reflect the experience and capability required for this strategically important role.

If you are an accomplished procurement leader who enjoys solving complex commercial challenges and delivering measurable value, we welcome your application.

Please submit your resume together with a cover letter outlining your procurement achievements, major cost reduction initiatives, and the strategic value you have delivered throughout your career.