Purchasing & Product Manager

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Purchasing Manager plays a pivotal role in aligning purchasing decisions with company strategy, customer demand, and market trends. You will oversee the monthly procurement and replenishment process, ensuring accurate forecasting, timely ordering, and consistent stock availability across our extensive SKU range. A key part of this role involves contributing to product selection and new range development — identifying emerging styles, assessing supplier offerings, and ensuring new products meet both design and commercial goals. The position blends strategic planning, supplier management, and data-driven decision-making with active engagement in day-to-day purchasing operations. It is a hands‑on leadership role, responsible for coordinating a capable procurement team while also directly managing purchasing and replenishment for a portfolio of key suppliers. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement purchasing strategies that align with company objectives and market positioning. Oversee and participate in monthly purchasing cycles, managing reorders for key supplier groups. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships; negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels. Contribute to new product selection and range planning based on supplier input, design trends, and market demand. Provide direction and support to an experienced procurement team, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment across purchasing activities. Some travel required for overseas supplier visits and interstate site meetings. Research and evaluate new suppliers and products to expand design and commercial opportunities. Manage product lifecycle stages — from range planning and introduction through to rationalisation. Coordinate with the marketing team on new product launches to ensure readiness and supply continuity. Analyse sales and inventory data to forecast demand and optimise stock levels. Monitor supplier performance and purchasing KPIs to ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness. Manage landed cost components including freight, duties, and logistics. Maintain and review product price lists to remain competitive and profitable. Identify cost‑saving initiatives and process improvements across procurement and logistics. Skills & Attributes An eye for design, colour, and market trends across both everyday and premium tile ranges. Proven negotiation, influencing, and communication abilities. Excellent analytical and organisational skills with attention to detail. Strong commercial acumen and understanding of landed cost analysis. Strong leadership and collaboration skills with a proactive, hands‑on approach. Proficiency in ERP systems (Harmoniq experience highly regarded) and Microsoft Office. Experience & Qualifications Minimum 5 years’ experience in purchasing or procurement, ideally within the ceramic tile or building materials industry. Demonstrated success in supplier relationships, pricing negotiations, and value optimisation. Experience managing teams and leading purchasing operations. Strong background in inventory management, forecasting, and purchasing execution. Experience within design‑influenced industries (tiles, stone, surfaces, or décor) highly advantageous. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (preferred). About Us GNS Ceramics is the leading Australian wholesale importer and distributor of ceramic tiles and mosaics, supplying tile retailers and resellers across the country. We focus exclusively on the wholesale market — delivering reliable supply, consistent quality, and strong commercial support to our partners, while keeping our product ranges aligned with current design trends, market demand, and ongoing product innovation. With well‑established global supplier relationships and efficient national distribution, GNS Ceramics is recognised for its operational reliability and deep understanding of the tile market — from everyday ranges to premium design collections. Interested? Apply now to join GNS Ceramics and take a key role leading our purchasing function, coordinating an experienced team, and shaping future product ranges. #J-18808-Ljbffr