Procurement Manager

About the role

Whitlam Group is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing and purchasing operations. In this role, you will ensure the timely, cost-effective procurement of raw materials, equipment, and services that support efficient manufacturing operations while enhancing quality, customer satisfaction, and long-term business success. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Customer Service, Sales, and Accounting, you will develop sourcing strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, evaluate supplier performance, and identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve quality, and minimize supply chain risk. This position plays a critical role in supporting our label manufacturing operations by ensuring material availability, maintaining strong supplier relationships, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct and indirect materials.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supplier agreements to maximize value while minimizing risk.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, service, and cost expectations are consistently achieved.
• Monitor inventory levels and purchasing activities to support production schedules while optimizing working capital.
• Evaluate supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and corrective action processes.
• Lead supplier improvement initiatives and support root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier-related quality concerns.
• Identify and implement cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations on new product launches, material qualifications, and supplier selection.
• Monitor market trends, raw material availability, and supply chain risks, developing contingency plans to minimize operational disruptions.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and applicable quality standards, including IATF 16949 and ISO 14001.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and inventory management initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop purchasing team members while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Proven success negotiating supplier agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in the label, packaging, printing, or converting industry.

About Whitlam

Whitlam Group is a leading manufacturer of pressure-sensitive labels and specialty packaging solutions, serving customers across a variety of industries. We are committed to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, investing in our people, technology, and processes to deliver exceptional products, service, and value to our customers.

Why Join Whitlam

At Whitlam Group, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our manufacturing operations while working alongside a collaborative team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and customer success. We offer a stable manufacturing environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the ability to influence key business initiatives while helping shape the future of our supply chain and manufacturing operations.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Career development and advancement opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.