Food Procurement & Sourcing Specialist – Oceania | Japanese-speaking

About This Position

Brisbane CBD | Hybrid Work | Food Ingredients / Supplier Development / Export to Japan & Asia

Our client is a major global food group with a large-scale international network across Japan and overseas markets.

As part of its continued expansion of its Oceania sourcing network, the company is seeking a Food Procurement & Sourcing Specialist to support supplier development, market research, procurement coordination and food ingredient sourcing across Australia and New Zealand.

This is a newly created position based in Brisbane, where the company’s Australian management function is located.

This is not a typical purchasing role.

It is closer to a local trading, sourcing and liaison role. You will support supplier relationship building, market information gathering, procurement and export-related activities, while working closely with the local COO, Japan headquarters and overseas group companies.

The initial focus will include Australian beef and New Zealand dairy ingredients, while the broader sourcing scope may expand into other food categories such as grains, agricultural products, seafood and other food ingredients.

This role is particularly suitable for someone with experience in food trading, food export, procurement, supply chain, logistics, supplier coordination or a Japanese trading company environment.

Please note: Business-level Japanese is a firm requirement for this role, as regular reporting, coordination and communication with Japan-based stakeholders will be a core part of the position.

What does your next role look like?

As the Food Procurement & Sourcing Specialist, you will help develop and strengthen the company’s sourcing network across Oceania.

You will work closely with local suppliers, producers, processors, logistics providers and internal stakeholders to support stable and competitive food ingredient procurement for Japan and other Asian markets.

In this role, you will work closely with the local COO — which means direct guidance, regular communication and the opportunity to learn the company’s sourcing strategy from senior local management from day one.

At the same time, this is not a passive support role. You will still be expected to take initiative, communicate with suppliers, gather market information, support export-related tasks and gradually take ownership of key supplier relationships.

This is a hands-on role. You will be expected to engage with suppliers, visit sites, gather information, identify issues and follow through on practical procurement and export-related tasks.

• Research, identify and approach potential food ingredient suppliers across Australia and New Zealand
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, producers, processors, exporters, logistics providers and other relevant industry contacts
• Support sourcing activities for food products and raw materials for export to Japan and other Asian markets
• Gather market intelligence on food ingredients, agricultural products, commodity pricing, supply conditions and industry trends
• Assist with supplier evaluation, pricing discussions, commercial terms and ongoing relationship management
• Coordinate procurement-related communication between local suppliers, the Australian business, Japan headquarters and overseas group companies
• Support export-related operations, including documentation, logistics coordination, shipping schedules and container arrangements where required
• Monitor supply risks, quality issues, delivery timelines and alternative sourcing opportunities
• Prepare clear reports and updates for internal stakeholders in both Japanese and English
• Attend supplier meetings and visit farms, production sites, processors, warehouses and logistics partners as required
• Support the long-term development of the company’s Oceania sourcing network

A little about you

Practical, proactive and relationship-driven, you don’t need every step mapped out before you take action. You’re comfortable gathering information, speaking with suppliers, identifying issues and following through on your own initiative.

You work well in a small, close-knit team where direct communication and personal accountability matter. You don’t need to be a senior procurement manager — but you do need to communicate clearly, report accurately, build relationships and take genuine ownership of your work.

This role requires both initiative and disciplined communication. You’ll work closely with the local COO, but you’ll also be expected to think ahead, ask the right questions and keep things moving without waiting for every instruction.

Skills and Experience Required

• Full working rights in Australia (visa sponsorship is not available)
• Business-level Japanese, sufficient to communicate, report and coordinate smoothly with Japan-based stakeholders
• Strong English communication skills, sufficient to build relationships with local Australian suppliers and business partners
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
   – Procurement, sourcing or food trading
   – Import/export or supply chain coordination
   – Logistics or export documentation
   – Food ingredients, agriculture, meat, dairy, grain, seafood or FMCG-related industries
   – Supplier coordination or account management in a B2B environment
• Strong communication, coordination and follow-up skills
• Ability to gather, analyse and report market information clearly
• High level of initiative, accountability and practical problem-solving ability
• Willingness to travel domestically as required
• Valid driver’s licence and access to own vehicle

Highly Regarded

• Experience with a Japanese trading company, food trading company, food manufacturer, exporter or global food business
• Knowledge of Australian beef, dairy, grain, seafood, agricultural products or food ingredient markets
• Experience dealing with Japan or other Asian markets
• Supplier development or supplier management experience
• Understanding of food safety, product specifications, QA requirements or export compliance
• Previous experience working with Japanese headquarters or Japanese corporate stakeholders

Location

Hybrid work, Brisbane CBD

Working Hour

Full-time (Monday-Friday)

Salary range

Up to $120,000 + Super / Allowance

Working flexibility

Hybrid (Brisbane CBD office + remote)

Start From

Around 1 October 2026

Application due date

Sunday, 12 July 2026 – Early applications are strongly encouraged, as shortlisted candidates may be contacted prior to the closing date.

What this opportunity offers

Global food supply chains are under pressure. Political uncertainty, rising demand across Asia, and the need to diversify supply sources are leading major food groups to invest more seriously in Oceania sourcing.

This role sits directly in that movement.

You won’t simply be processing orders or supporting routine purchasing tasks. You’ll be helping to build supplier relationships, gather market intelligence, strengthen procurement channels, and support the company’s long-term food supply strategy across Australia and New Zealand.

For someone with food trading, procurement, export, logistics, supply chain or supplier coordination experience, this is a genuine opportunity to step into a broader international sourcing role — while working closely with senior local management from day one.

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a brief note outlining your relevant experience.

Applications are managed confidentially. The client’s name will be shared with shortlisted candidates only.

Only candidates with full working rights in Australia will be considered.