Purchasing Manager – Strategic National Role

Join a high-performing team driving transformation across national operations

About the Opportunity

Kempe Engineering is seeking an ambitious and commercially sharp Purchasing Manager to take the lead on our $50 million annual spend across a national network of engineering and maintenance operations.

Position is office based at our Corporate Head Office in Geelong; this pivotal role is designed for a motivated, mid-career professional with 5–10 years of procurement experience ready to take the next step into strategic leadership. You will report directly to the Manager – Strategic Sourcing & Business Systems, and work closely with executive, branch, and offshore teams.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a rising star to make a measurable impact on cost savings, supplier performance, and national procurement strategy.

Key Responsibilities

·       Lead and negotiate national vendor agreements, targeting 3–5% annual savings

·       Drive vendor consolidation, data accuracy, and low-cost sourcing expansion

·       Implement and enforce procurement contracts across all operations

·       Establish and track supplier KPIs (DIFOT, quality, cost)

·       Deliver clean reporting, systems integrity, and monthly performance reviews

What You’ll Bring

·       5–10 years of procurement or supply chain experience in industrial, manufacturing, or engineering sectors

·       Strong commercial mindset, supplier negotiation skills, and ERP system experience (e.g., D365/AX)

·       Proven ability to deliver results and lead projects from strategy to execution

·       Ambition, resilience, and the ability to collaborate across teams and levels

Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Commerce, Business, or Engineering

·       Progress toward or interest in CIPS/postgraduate qualifications (desirable)

·       Ongoing professional development encouraged and supported

Why Join Kempe?

·       Australian-owned company with a strong engineering legacy

·       Supportive leadership and mentoring from a high-caliber sourcing team

·       National career pathway + exposure to international supply chains

·       Genuine opportunity to drive transformation and build your leadership brand

Location

Corporate HQ, Geelong, Victoria – easy access to coastal lifestyle and city connectivity.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your procurement career with a business that values innovation, results, and continuous improvement – we’d love to hear from you.

Apply via SEEK with your resume and a brief cover letter.

For a confidential discussion, contact our Strategic Sourcing & Business Systems Manager via the HR team.