Purchasing Officer

Join an established WA manufacturer, backed by more than 140 years of Australian engineering and manufacturing expertise.

About CQE

Custom Quip Engineering (CQE) is a well-established Western Australian manufacturer with more than 20 years’ experience designing and manufacturing quality transport equipment from our Kenwick facility.

As part of the Varley Group, CQE is backed by a fourth-generation Australian family-owned engineering and manufacturing business established in 1886. Today, Varley employs around 1,200 people across 10 business units, with capabilities spanning Defence, specialised vehicles, industrial services and systems.

We’re looking for a proactive Purchasing Officer to join our team and play an important role in keeping our manufacturing operations moving. Working closely with suppliers, production and Supply Chain, you’ll help ensure the materials and components our teams need are available at the right time.

This is a great opportunity to join a close-knit WA manufacturing team while benefiting from the stability, capability and career opportunities of the broader Varley Group.

The Opportunity

Purchasing plays a critical role in keeping a manufacturing operation moving.

As our Purchasing Officer, you’ll coordinate the day-to-day purchasing activities that ensure our production teams have the materials, components and supplies they need to deliver.

You’ll manage the purchasing process from requirement through to purchase order, delivery and receipting, while maintaining strong supplier relationships, staying across back orders and supporting effective inventory control.

It’s a role for someone who enjoys being organised, solving problems and keeping things moving.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Manage purchasing requirements from initial request through to delivery and receipting
• Raise, maintain and follow up purchase orders
• Liaise with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, lead times and deliveries
• Monitor outstanding orders and proactively manage back orders
• Identify and help resolve supply issues that could impact production
• Support inventory management and accurate stock control
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier information within our ERP system
• Develop positive and productive relationships with existing and new suppliers
• Work closely with Supply Chain, production and other internal stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing and supply processes
• Support broader supply chain activities as required

About You

We’re looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership.

You’ll be comfortable managing multiple priorities, communicating with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and following things through rather than waiting for someone else to chase them.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Previous purchasing, procurement or supply chain experience
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, automotive, transport or another related industrial environment
• Experience managing purchase orders, suppliers and delivery requirements
• Good understanding of inventory and stock control principles
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• Confidence communicating and building relationships with suppliers
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Competency across Microsoft Office
• Experience working with ERP systems
• Epicor experience would be highly regarded
• The ability to work independently and use initiative
• A practical, solutions-focused approach when things don’t go to plan

Most importantly, you’ll bring a positive attitude and enjoy contributing to a team where purchasing, supply chain and production work together.

Why Join CQE?

• Join an established Western Australian manufacturing business backed by the broader Varley Group
• Be part of a close-knit and experienced team in Kenwick
• Play an important role in supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations
• Work closely with suppliers, production and Supply Chain
• Gain exposure across purchasing, inventory and broader supply chain activities
• Develop your skills within an established Australian engineering and manufacturing group
• Access ongoing development and long-term career opportunities

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re an experienced Purchasing Officer who enjoys building supplier relationships, solving problems and playing an important role in keeping a manufacturing operation moving, we’d love to hear from you.

Join CQE and become part of an Australian engineering and manufacturing story more than 140 years in the making.

Apply now and take the next step in your career with CQE and the Varley Group.