Product and Supplier sourcing specialist

Company Overview

McKay's Grass Seeds is a trusted Australian supplier of premium lawn seed, with an extensive range of products catering to homeowners, gardening enthusiasts, and professional users such as groundskeepers, acreage owners, and sports field managers. As part of our growth strategy, we're expanding our product range to include garden accessories imported from China and locally-sourced lawn care products.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Product sourcing specialist to lead our diversification into garden accessories and lawn care products. This role will be responsible for researching and sourcing high-quality products that complement our existing seed range, negotiating with suppliers, managing logistics, and creating compelling product pages that align with our brand voice and customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

Product Research & Selection

Research market trends in garden accessories and lawn care products
Identify products that complement our seed range and address customer pain points
Evaluate product quality, durability, and suitability for Australian conditions
Recommend products for import or local sourcing based on market demand and profit potential

Supplier Relations & Sourcing

Identify and evaluate potential suppliers in China for garden accessories
Source local Australian suppliers for lawn care products (herbUpgrade to see actual info, pestUpgrade to see actual info, fungUpgrade to see actual info)
Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers
Ensure suppliers meet quality standards and ethical business practices

Negotiation & Procurement

Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and minimum order quantities
Develop procurement strategies that maximize value while maintaining quality
Manage sample ordering and product testing processes
Create and maintain detailed supplier and product documentation

Logistics Management

Coordinate international shipping and customs clearance for imported products
Manage domestic logistics for locally-sourced products
Monitor inventory levels and recommend reorder points
Troubleshoot supply chain issues and implement solutions

Product Page Creation

Create compelling product descriptions that highlight benefits and features
Develop product specifications, usage instructions, and care guidelines
Source high-quality product images or coordinate product photography

Cross-functional Collaboration

Liaise with warehouse team on storage requirements and inventory management


Qualifications & Experience

3+ years experience in product sourcing, preferably in garden, hardware, or agricultural sectors
Demonstrated experience in supplier negotiation and relationship management
Understanding of international import processes and regulations
Experience with e-commerce product management
Knowledge of the Australian gardening and lawn care market (desirable)
Experience with inventory management systems

Skills & Attributes

Strong negotiation and communication skills
Attention to detail and commitment to quality
Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Project management skills to handle multiple product launches
Understanding of customer needs and market trends
Self-motivated with ability to work independently
Basic understanding of digital marketing and SEO for product pages

Benefits

Competitive salary
Opportunity to shape a growing product category
Collaborative and supportive team environment


Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to Upgrade to see actual info with the subject line "Product Expansion Specialist - [Your Name]".

Important: In your cover letter, please include a brief (100 word maximum) paragraph about which McKay's grass seed product you believe would be most suitable for a sports field in Queensland and why. This will help us understand your approach to product knowledge and regional considerations.

Applicants who do not follow these specific instructions will not be considered for the position.

McKay's Grass Seeds is committed to providing expert advice and premium products to help our customers achieve their lawn and garden goals. If you're passionate about quality garden products and excited about the opportunity to expand our product range, we'd love to hear from you.