Inventory Specialist

Join Pacific National – Australia’s largest private rail freight operator

Every day we transport millions of tonnes of critical freight around the country for our customers. We haul coal, intermodal containers, steel, and bulk commodities that keep Australia moving.

About the role

Pacific National is seeking an organised, proactive and detail-driven Inventory Specialist, based at our Melbourne Wagon Maintenance Facility, to support the management of rail spares and inventory across our maintenance facilities. In this crucial role, you will ensure the availability, accuracy and timely distribution of materials that keep our trains operating reliably. Working closely with the National Inventory & Supply Contracts team, you will support supply chain operations, inventory management, purchasing and supplier performance across the Intermodal, Bulk & Coal portfolio.

What you’ll be doing

• Oversee day‑to‑day supply chain and warehousing functions to support maintenance requirements.
• Liaise with maintenance, supervisors and technical teams to plan and optimise spares and rotables.
• Participate in maintenance planning meetings to support on‑time materials planning and procurement.
• Set and manage Min/Max stock levels in partnership with maintenance, engineering and finance.
• Manage inventory issues, receipts, storage, obsolescence and deliveries.
• Coordinate logistics and warehouse movements across maintenance facilities.
• Maintain safety, compliance and high housekeeping standards within warehouse operations.
• Purchase spares and inventory through Maximo, including raising and expediting orders.
• Obtain competitive quotations and ensure procurement aligns with PN policies and sourcing agreements.
• Produce reporting on expenditure, inventory, rotables and supplier performance.
• Support sourcing activities for both high‑value and lower‑value expenditure categories.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.

What you’ll bring

• Cert III in Warehouse Operations (minimum).
• Cert IV in Supply or Logistics (desirable).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in warehousing, inventory management or procurement using digital systems.
• Strong understanding of supply chain functions and just‑in‑time inventory management.
• Maximo experience (highly regarded).
• Strong analytical, administrative and planning skills.
• Intermediate MS Word and Excel skills.
• Ability to train and support others in inventory and procurement systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement capability.
• Strong initiative and a collaborative, team‑focused work style.

Why join us?

At Pacific National we value diversity, inclusion, and the contribution of each team member. Our values underpin our commitment to create an inclusive culture where everyone is accepted.

Some of the benefits we offer are:

• Paid parental leave
• Discounted travel and insurance
• Novated Leasing
• Fitness Passport
• Inclusive, values-driven culture

We live by our Values: Make it Simple, Share More, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity, and Own It – helping us build strong connections and do our best work every day.

Ready to deliver what matters? Click ‘Apply Now’ and start your journey with Pacific National. Learn more at: https://www.pacificnational.com.au/careers