Role Purpose

At Yarra Trams, our mission is to deliver world-class transport services to our passengers. In this role, you will contribute to this goal by:

• Bringing together people, processes, and strategy to drive team performance, cross-functional collaboration, and supplier accountability
• Optimising inventory working capital by aligning planning and purchasing functions with the needs of maintenance and project delivery.
• Supporting reliable service while balancing working capital with part availability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the effective coordination of planning and purchasing activities to support rolling stock and infrastructure operations.
• Oversee and facilitate the Supplier Connect Program and broader supplier management, ensuring suppliers meet performance expectations aligned with Yarra Trams' KPIs.
• Drive business-as-usual (BAU) operations while delivering on continuous improvement initiatives across supply chain processes.
• Establish and implement a clear Depot Material Distribution Strategy to support part availability at Preston PDC and satellite depots.
• Lead Engineering Connect Sessions to resolve issues preventing the timely purchasing of catalogued inventory.
• Monitor and report on performance metrics, ensuring alignment with targets agreed upon with the Head of Supply Chain.
• Collaborate with Finance to deliver accurate monthly reporting in support of audit and compliance requirements.

Skills

• Postgraduate qualifications in Business, Commerce, or a related field, with a focus on Supply Chain Management.
• Extensive experience in supply chain roles, with a strong track record in demand and supply planning — ideally in a manufacturing or MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) environment.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience leading purchasing functions, with exposure across broader supply chain areas including planning, inventory, warehousing, and logistics.
• Proven experience in supplier management, including performance monitoring, relationship development, and driving accountability across strategic and operational suppliers.
• Hands-on experience managing purchasing processes, including:
• Process: Overseeing replenishment activities triggered by reorder points or project-based planning.
• Systems: Proficiency in ERP systems such as Maximo, SAP, Oracle JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or Pronto.
• People: Demonstrated capability in leading teams across planning, purchasing, and expediting functions.
• Deep knowledge of supply chain management, ideally gained in Manufacturing, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) environments — preferably within the rail, tram, or transport sector.