Procurement Manager

Montessori Academy is Australia's leading Montessori early childhood education provider, operating more than 75 childcare centres across NSW, VIC and ACT.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead our procurement function and support the ongoing expansion and operation of our centres.

This is a hands-on role that combines strategic procurement, supplier management, inventory control, and operational support across a multi-site organisation.

About the Role :

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Procurement Manager will be responsible for overseeing the procurement and supply chain function across the Montessori Academy Group.

The successful candidate will ensure our centres and Head Office teams have access to high-quality goods and services while delivering cost efficiencies, maintaining supplier relationships, and supporting the organisation's continued growth.

This role will work closely with operational leaders, centre managers, construction teams, and external suppliers to ensure procurement activities are conducted efficiently and effectively.

Key responsibilities :

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to support organisational objectives.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers and contractors.
• Manage supplier relationships and service agreements.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and procurement efficiencies.
• Obtain quotations and negotiate pricing, service levels, and contract terms.
• Manage purchasing activities across childcare centres and Head Office.
• Oversee procurement of educational resources, furniture, equipment, consumables, and operational supplies.
• Support facilities, maintenance, and construction-related procurement projects.
• Manage inventory levels and stock control processes.
• Monitor procurement expenditure and assist with budget management.
• Review supplier performance and ensure service delivery standards are maintained.
• Maintain procurement records, supplier databases, and purchasing documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procurement procedures.
• Support the ongoing development and improvement of procurement systems and processes.

About you :

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience in a Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager, Procurement Specialist, or similar role.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Experience managing procurement budgets and expenditure.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working across multiple sites or locations highly regarded.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach.

Desirable :

• Experience within childcare, education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, or other multi-site industries.
• Experience supporting construction, facilities, or property-related procurement activities.
• Qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Commerce, or a related discipline.

What we offer :

• Opportunity to join a growing and successful organisation.
• Diverse and varied role with genuine autonomy.
• Supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Modern Head Office environment.
• Employee childcare discounts.
• Career progression opportunities within a rapidly expanding organisation.