It’s been five years since Julie Kypreos joined the Maxum team and we’re celebrating this incredible milestone. We caught up with Julie to have a chat about her journey at Maxum and to talk through some of the highlights.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, with parents from Greek and Scottish backgrounds, which has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. I recently had the opportunity to visit my grandfather’s hometown in Lefkada, Greece and explore the village he grew up in, it was an incredibly emotional and fulfilling experience. Exploring more of Europe is definitely on my bucket list, there’s so much I’d love to experience, from historic cities and diverse cultures to local cuisines, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking landscapes. I love travelling to country towns, going on road trips, and have a strong passion for cycling. I’m always keen to explore new tracks wherever I go. Taking long rides is therapeutic, it helps me unwind, breathe fresh air, and clear my mind. I love it so much that I participated in the Ride for Relief back in 2018, a charity event supporting better mental health. It was 205 km over two days, it absolutely killed me, but it was totally worth it. I really value events like that, which are a great way to stay active while supporting meaningful causes.
Tell us a little bit about your journey at Maxum Foods.
Maxum, I spent 12 years working in export operations for a global grain company, where I gained extensive experience in logistics and supply chain. These skills ultimately led me to my current role at Maxum Foods. I joined the Animal Nutrition team at our Laverton facility in the midst of the COVID pandemic, a period marked by uncertainty, constant change, and plenty of Zoom-based training. Starting a new role during such a time was certainly challenging, but from day one, I felt supported and welcomed by the team.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been building strong relationships with our regular suppliers, supply chain partners, and transport companies. I’ve come to truly value everyday conversations that build trust and help keep operations running smoothly. I really love what I do and feel fortunate to be part of Maxum. No two days are ever the same, and that’s what keeps things exciting. What really makes it all worthwhile, though, is the incredible team I get to work with every day. Being closely involved with the team and the day-to-day work keeps things engaging and fulfilling. The mutual respect and shared commitment create a strong sense of belonging and purpose. From the daily laughs to celebrating everything, from birthdays to big wins, it’s these shared experiences that make this team special. Along the way, I’ve also made some great friends, which has made the experience even more enjoyable.
What do you actually do at Maxum?
I joined Maxum Foods in July 2020 as part of the Animal Nutrition division. My role covers the end-to-end purchasing process, from placing supplier purchase orders for raw materials to coordinating the receipt of stock into our inventory system. I work closely with the Quality Assurance team, recording test results against each item received to verify that every batch meets specifications and is safe for animal consumption. I also reconcile purchase orders, match supplier invoices to delivery dockets, and investigate any discrepancies before approving invoices for payment.
In addition, I manage the purchasing of production bags across Australia and New Zealand based on production forecasts, ensuring we maintain appropriate stock levels to meet current blends. I conduct monthly stocktakes of consumables and stationery and raise purchase orders to keep these supplies in stock to support the ongoing operations of the Laverton Facility.
On the logistics side, I coordinate inbound deliveries, schedule daily time slots, and arrange freight collections from supplier warehouse locations to our site. I track Chep and Loscam pallet movements on and off our accounts and provide weekly reporting to Pallet Control Australia. I also coordinate import and export container movements to and from site, ensuring drop-off and collection dates align with shipping schedules to meet cut-offs and avoid demurrage. Additionally, I collect weekly staff timesheets and manage leave requests. Beyond the day-to-day, I enjoy organising staff events that promote team spirit and foster a positive, engaged company culture.
What’s the one thing that has changed the most during your time at Maxum Foods?
Since joining Maxum Foods, I’ve seen some great changes that reflect the company’s growth and focus on continuous improvement. Upgrades like the new warehouse management system and lot tracking for raw materials have made life easier, reducing manual work and improving inventory accuracy. I remember when tracking stock and locations was a slow, manual process, so it’s been rewarding to see how much smoother things are now. It feels good to be part of a company that values progress and listens to its people.
Nicknames: What do they call you in the office?
Officially, it’s just Julie.
What is the best ‘work perk’ at Maxum Foods?
Definitely the people! We have a supportive and approachable team culture that makes coming to work enjoyable. Combined with our wellness program, social team events, and legendary fancy dress Christmas parties, it’s easy to see why people love being part of the Maxum team. We also place a strong focus on professional development, meaningful recognition, and celebrating successes together.
Do you have a favourite story from the last five years that you would like to share?
One of the standout memories from my time at Maxum Foods has to be the 20-year anniversary celebration. I felt incredibly lucky to be invited to mark such an important milestone in the company’s journey. It was a memorable night dedicated to recognizing the outstanding achievements and leadership of our Directors, and reflecting on how far Maxum has come. What made the event even more memorable was being surrounded by colleagues from every part of the company, Brisbane, New Zealand, and Manila. The energy was amazing! We danced the night away, posed for hilarious costume-party photo booth shots, and shared endless laughs.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve been given is to never be afraid to ask for help or worry about asking a silly question….no one has all the answers.
What do you get up to when you’re not at work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family on weekends and staying active outdoors. Whether it’s going for a walk or heading off on long cycling rides to explore new places, I also enjoy short getaways, good food, and quality company. I have a small herb garden at home and love experimenting with different cuisines, and I must say, I do make a great Greek-style lamb roast! Supporting my nieces and nephews in their sports and performances is something I really value. They’re a big part of my life and cheering them on is always a highlight.
Congratulations on 5 years Julie! We are looking forward to many more years with you on the team.
