Global Procurement & Supply Chain Manager

About KnoxxKnoxx Business Group Pty Ltd is an Australia based group of companies. There are two companies working under Knoxx. While Knoxx Foods sources and imports food ingredients and value-added food products for international markets. The other group company Knoxx Innovations focuses on food science, R&D and development of value-added products.This role will work closely with both businesses, ensuring that products developed or sourced by Knoxx can be commercially manufactured, procured and supplied consistently to the required specification.Role PurposeWe are looking for a strong, hands-on Global Procurement & Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of the supply chain from:forecast → procurement → supplier/manufacturer → production → quality assurance at source → shipment → inventory.This person must understand food ingredients, manufacturing environments and international supply chains. The role requires someone who will not simply place purchase orders or follow up shipments, but will ensure that suppliers and manufacturers consistently deliver the right product, using the agreed process, at the agreed quality, cost and timeline.

Key Responsibilities

Global Procurement & Supplier DevelopmentSource and manage food ingredient suppliers and contract manufacturers in India and other countries.Negotiate pricing, MOQs, payment terms, lead times and supply conditions.Develop alternate suppliers for critical products.Build relationships with ingredient manufacturers, flavour houses and specialist food ingredient companies.Work with R&D and technical teams to commercialise new value-added products.Manufacturing & Quality Assurance at SourceA critical responsibility of this role is to ensure that approved production processes are actually followed at manufacturing level.The manager will:Monitor production against approved specifications, formulations and agreed manufacturing processes.Ensure suppliers and contract manufacturers follow agreed quality controls and production procedures.Work closely with Knoxx technical and QA teams to ensure quality is controlled at source, not after the product reaches the destination market.Review production issues, deviations, rejections and corrective actions with manufacturers.Ensure raw materials, packaging, production methods and finished products meet agreed requirements.Visit manufacturing facilities regularly and develop strong working relationships with production and QA teams.Escalate any deviation that could affect product safety, quality, consistency or customer requirements.Supply Chain & Demand PlanningConvert forecasts and customer demand into procurement and supply plans.Manage purchase orders, production schedules, stock cover and shipment priorities.Monitor inventory, ageing stock, potential shortages and excess stock.Coordinate suppliers, manufacturers, freight forwarders and internal teams.Identify supply risks early and take corrective action before they impact customers.International LogisticsManage international shipments from supplier to destination.Coordinate freight forwarders, exporters, shipping schedules and documentation.Improve freight efficiency, container utilisation and delivery reliability.Monitor OTIF performance and shipment delays.Candidate Requirements8–12+ years of relevant experience.Strong food ingredient industry experience is essential.Experience in procurement and supply chain management within food ingredients or food manufacturing.Good understanding of manufacturing processes and factory operations.Experience dealing directly with food ingredient manufacturers and contract manufacturers.Strong supplier negotiation and supplier-development skills.Experience in forecasting, inventory planning and international logistics.Ability to understand product specifications, production controls and quality requirements.Strong analytical and commercial skills.Experience with areas such as seasonings, flavours, starches, coatings, batters, sauces, retort products, grains, pulses or other value-added food ingredients will be highly regarded.We are looking for someone who:takes ownership;follows matters through to completion;is comfortable challenging suppliers and manufacturers;can identify risks before they become problems;is equally comfortable discussing cost, production, quality and delivery;can work independently with a global management team;understands that good procurement is not just obtaining the lowest price, but delivering the right product consistently and reliably.Key Measures of SuccessReliable supply and improved OTIF.Stronger supplier and manufacturer performance.Reduced stock-outs and excess inventory.Improved procurement cost and commercial terms.Alternate suppliers developed for key products.Production processes consistently followed by manufacturing partners.Reduction in quality failures, deviations and supplier-related issues.Quality problems identified and corrected at origin rather than after shipment.Reduced need for senior-management intervention in routine procurement and supply-chain matters.