Head of National Inventory and Supply Chain Optimisation

What's the role?

Are you a strategic supply chain leader who excels at transforming operational execution into a value-driving powerhouse?

News Corp Australia is seeking a Head of National Inventory & Supply Chain Optimisation to join our Production Operations leadership team. This is a high-impact, senior leadership position fully accountable for the end-to-end optimisation of inventory, consumables, and supply chain strategy across our seven national print production sites.

Beyond traditional inventory management, you will own working capital optimisation, bulk purchasing strategy, and the commercial oversight of national supply arrangements. By leveraging our national scale, you will directly drive cost efficiencies, strengthen supply resilience, and standardise materials across our metropolitan and regional print centres.

This position is pivotal in transforming our inventory and supply chain practices into a strategic, value-driving function. By optimising inventory, leveraging our national scale, and enhancing supply reliability, you will directly contribute to the operational performance, resilience, and profitability of News Corp Australia’s print operations.

This role can be based in Sydney, Victoria, Brisbane or Adelaide

Key Responsibilities

• National Inventory Strategy - Own and execute the national inventory strategy across all print sites to optimise working capital, improve stock turns, and establish best-practice governance frameworks.
• Supply Chain & Bulk Sourcing - Drive the commercial strategy for consumables and operational materials, executing bulk purchasing and category management to leverage national scale and reduce unit costs.
• R&M Purchasing Optimisation - Establish a centralised approach for Repairs & Maintenance (R&M) and critical spares purchasing to eliminate duplicate stock and minimise site downtime risks.
• Enterprise Procurement Alignment - Partner closely with the National Procurement team to align sourcing strategies, manage national supplier contracts, and ensure compliance with enterprise frameworks.
• Cross-Functional Leadership - Act as the primary operational interface between corporate teams and site leaders, providing leadership to site-based inventory and store functions while driving continuous improvement.

Your Success In This Role Will Be Measured By

• Inventory availability, accuracy, and service levels to production operations.
• Measurable reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across consumables and R&M categories.
• Working capital improvements (inventory days, stock turns, reduction of obsolete/duplicate stock).
• Supplier performance, contract compliance, and On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) delivery.
• Minimised production downtime linked to spare parts or inventory availability.

Who are you?

To be successful in this role, you will bring a blend of strategic commercial acumen and deep operational supply chain expertise.

• Extensive experience in a senior inventory, supply chain, or commercial operations leadership role.
• A proven track record managing multi-site operations within manufacturing, print, or heavy industrial environments (high-volume manufacturing experience is highly desirable).
• Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, bulk purchasing, contract negotiation, and managing engineering/R&M-related spend categories.
• Advanced analytical capability with practical experience using ERP/MRP systems to make data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven ability to collaborate with centralised procurement and influence at the executive level.

Why News Corp Australia

Join a culture where innovation is our operating rhythm. You’ll work on a diverse portfolio of Australia’s most loved brands and play a pivotal role in leading the technological shift in how we create commercial content. Our vibrant, hybrid work environment and dynamic, values-driven culture empowers you to push boundaries, collaborate as one unified team, and make a positive, measurable impact for all Australians.

News Extras Benefits is a commitment to our people for their valued contribution to News, our audiences, clients and communities.

Our Benefits Include

• Exclusively ours - Access to publications and products from across the News Corp family
• Perks & discounts - Exclusive offers across a range of products and services that deliver genuine cost savings and benefits
• Health & wellbeing - Advice, support and facilities for healthy minds and bodies (including an onsite gym at our Adelaide, Brisbane & Sydney offices)
• Time off - News offers a range of leave options to support your personal needs and moments that matter in life: Parental leave, Birthday leave, Volunteer leave, Career break and Compassionate leave.
• Financial wellbeing - Support on making the most of your money

Benefits

In addition to our perks and benefits, employees have access to a number of initiatives and programs that support their wellbeing and professional growth, such as:

• Helping you grow - Access tailored development opportunities, including leadership programs, to cultivate your skills and support your career
• Giving back - Make a difference to our communities through volunteer opportunities and company-organised charity drives
• Workplace Inclusion and facilities – Engage with your passions through various employee-resource groups and accessibility to multi-faith quiet rooms & parents’ rooms

Who are we?

We are proud to be Australia’s most impactful media group, we’re even prouder of what we stand for: Together, we inform, advocate and inspire all Australians, for a better Australia.

With over 150 brands across news, sport and lifestyle, backed by a team of more than 5,000 dedicated people across the country, News Corp Australia is trusted by over 17 million Australians a month to provide the information and inspiration they seek across multiple digital, video, audio and print platforms.

Renowned for world-class journalism and marketing services nationally and internationally, we are passionate, creative and dynamic. We offer a fast-paced environment that encourages individuals to take control of their future and challenge themselves in ever-changing fields.

News Corp Australia is evolving in response to the expectations and challenges of the digital world in which we now live. We have an amazing opportunity to reinvent our industry and redefine the future of media in Australia. We are passionate about what we do and are proud of our heritage of world-class journalism and entrepreneurial spirit. Our environment is supportive and friendly, we encourage innovation, collaboration and creative thinking. If you thrive on being challenged and enjoy working in a fast-paced stimulating environment, come and join us on this incredible journey.

What’s next?

Apply now or for more information on careers at News Corp Australia visit www.newscorpaustralia.com/careers

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity strengthens our national teams and newsroom as we seek to tell stories that represent the communities of Australia. Our people make us unique, and so we are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender identity. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply!

We are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any stage, please do not hesitate to let us know here. In order for us to assist you, please ensure you include the role title you are applying for in the subject line. For more information regarding Diversity at NewsCorp Australia please visit www.newscorpaustralia.com/careers under the Diversity@News section.

Category

State & Community Mastheads