Supply and Distribution Manager
- Manage procurement, supplier relationships, logistics, inventory and distribution.
- Oversee the supply chain from sourcing raw materials to finished product distribution.
- Negotiate supplier agreements and manage supplier performance.
About Us
We are a wool quilt manufacturer producing wool-filled bedding products for consumer, retail and wholesale markets. We are seeking a Supply and Distribution Manager to manage procurement, supplier relationships, logistics, inventory and distribution, ensuring that our production team receives suitable materials on time and our customers receive reliable deliveries.
About the Role
You will oversee the supply chain from sourcing raw materials, fabrics and packaging through to warehousing and finished product distribution. A key focus is international procurement and direct coordination with suppliers in China, together with freight planning, supplier quality control and cost management. You will report to the Managing Director and work closely with production, sales and finance teams.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement procurement, inventory and distribution plans aligned with production schedules, customer demand, approved budgets and business objectives.• Manage domestic and international sourcing of wool, fabrics, packaging and other production inputs. Evaluate suppliers against quality, capacity, pricing, lead times and supply reliability.• Manage relationships with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers, communicating specifications, monitoring order progress and resolving production, commercial and delivery issues.• Negotiate supplier agreements covering prices, payment terms, minimum order quantities, delivery terms and quality obligations within delegated authority.• Oversee purchase orders, demand forecasts and replenishment schedules. Plan for seasonal demand, overseas supplier shutdowns and international shipping lead times.• Coordinate freight forwarders, customs brokers and transport providers to manage international shipments, import documentation, clearance and delivery to the factory.• Establish supplier quality requirements with production personnel. Coordinate sample approvals, pre-shipment inspections and incoming material checks against agreed specifications.• Manage defective or non-conforming supplies, investigate issues with suppliers and arrange corrective action, replacements or credits. Monitor supplier quality and delivery performance.• Oversee inventory accuracy, stock levels, warehouse storage, receiving, order fulfilment and dispatch to reduce shortages, excess stock, damage and delivery delays.• Lead relevant purchasing, warehouse and distribution staff. Monitor landed costs and supply risks, implement process improvements and report performance to the Managing Director.
Qualifications and Experience
• A relevant qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, International Trade or a related discipline, or equivalent substantial industry experience.• At least three years of relevant procurement, supply chain or distribution management experience, preferably within a manufacturing business.• Demonstrated experience in international procurement and direct coordination with manufacturers and suppliers in China.• Experience negotiating supply agreements, managing supplier performance and coordinating quality inspections and corrective action.• Practical knowledge of international freight, Incoterms, import documentation and customs and biosecurity processes relevant to the goods being imported.• Experience in inventory planning, warehousing, distribution and cost control, with proficiency in ERP or inventory systems and Microsoft Excel.• Strong leadership, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate production, sales, suppliers and logistics providers.• Experience in wool products, bedding, textiles or related manufacturing will be highly regarded. Mandarin language skills will be advantageous for direct communication with Chinese suppliers.
What We Offer
• Full-time ongoing employment with a wool quilt manufacturer.• A varied management role covering international procurement, supplier quality, logistics and distribution.• The opportunity to improve supply chain performance and work directly with management and production teams.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in international procurement, China supplier coordination, logistics and quality management. Include examples of improvements you have delivered in supply reliability, inventory control or cost efficiency.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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