We're Hiring — Purchasing Manager
About Us
DesignByThem produces original Australian-designed furniture and accessories for interior designers, architects, and consumers worldwide. Our mission is to build a global brand that showcases the best of Australian design, empowering designers to do what they love while delivering world-class, accessible design.
Our Team
To produce great work, you need a great team who love what they do, enjoy working together, motivate each other and are always striving for new challenges and improvements. This is our team… and hopefully you too!
About The Role
The Purchasing Manager will play a critical role in the managing of our supplier relationships, procurement processes, and will ensure the timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials and products for our business.
Working closely with the Supply Chain Manager and Head of Operations, this role will ensure purchasing aligns with project timelines, quality standards, and budget targets.As a small and growing business, you will be encouraged to suggest improvements and implement changes. We value input from all team members and enjoy working together to achieve our goals.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in purchasing or procurement, strong negotiation and communication skills, and a keen eye for detail with the ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- • Develop and execute purchasing strategies that support project schedules and inventory requirements.
- • Work alongside the Product Managers to source, negotiate, and manage supplier relationships both local and international, with a focus on quality, cost, reliability, and service.
- • Coordinate purchase orders and associated documentation, ensuring order accuracy, and that delivery timelines are adhered to.
- • Collaborate with internal teams (Sales, Projects, Design, and Logistics) to forecast demand and plan procurement needs.
- • Monitor market trends and supplier performance to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks.
- • Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
- • Troubleshoot delivery or quality issues with suppliers, and negotiate resolutions.
- • Support the implementation of procurement software or systems as needed.
- • Report on supplier and product performance in order to inform business decisions.
- • Work with Product managers to update and maintain BOM, SKUs, Landed Costs, pricing records, and procurement documentation.
Key Requirements
- • Proven experience in procurement or purchasing, ideally in the furniture industry.
- • Experience with local and international suppliers, logistics coordination, and import/export documentation.
- • Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
- • Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- • High attention to detail, and an ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, project focused environment.
- • Proficiency with ERP or purchasing systems is a must. Microsoft Dynamics 365 / Business Central /
- • Wiise or Navision experience would be ideal.
- • Knowledge of furniture materials and manufacturing processes is highly desirable.
- • Must be able to tell one good joke a week through either memes, gifs or interpretive dance.
What We Offer
- • A dynamic, organised and creative work environment with a highly motivated team.
- • Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- • Unique culture focused on talent development and innovation.
- • An exciting opportunity to join a company on a high growth trajectory.
- • A happy and healthy work culture with high staff retention.
- • A brand with long term ambitions of becoming a global leader in design that is run by founders who are passionate about design and innovation.
This role is full time, and is based out of our Alexandria Office/Showroom.
Application Process
Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@designbythem.com. Make sure to include how your experience aligns with the requirements of this position.
Attention to Griffin, HR Manager. When emailing, please clarify the source of your application by using one of the following subject lines:
Purchasing Manager Application – Via Instagram
Purchasing Manager Application – Via LinkedIn
Purchasing Manager Application – Via Referral
Applications will be reviewed immediately and shortlisting/screenings for the role will also begin immediately. This role will remain open until the position is filled.