At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and supplier management to drive value for our members.
- Company: Join the UK's largest member-owned agricultural purchasing co-operative.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private health insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while shaping procurement at a strategic level.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in procurement with strong commercial acumen and team development skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The AF Group is the UK’s largest Member‑owned, non‑profit agricultural purchasing co‑operative, representing over 3,000 farmers and rural businesses. Based in the UK, it leverages a £330m+ annual turnover to deliver cost‑effective procurement for inputs like fuel, fertiliser and machinery, aiming to save its Members time and money.
The AF Group is seeking an exceptional Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to shape, elevate and deliver our procurement and supplier management strategy. This is a pivotal, board‑level role reporting directly to the CEO, responsible for ensuring we secure the right products and services at the right value—while upholding the highest standards of governance, operational excellence, sustainability, and member value. If you are a commercially driven, forward‑thinking procurement leader who thrives in a complex, fast‑moving environment, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact across our organisation and the wider agricultural community.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and execute a procurement and supplier management strategy aligned with our business objectives.
- Identify opportunities for commercial growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced supplier performance.
- Lead strategic supplier negotiations to secure best value, innovation, and risk mitigation.
- Drive new procurement opportunities and value‑add services informed by market trends.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to improve processes, digital capabilities, and member outcomes.
- Oversee supplier segmentation, governance frameworks, KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement programmes.
- Influence senior stakeholders to embed best‑practice procurement behaviours.
- Support wider business teams during peak periods as needed.
What you will lead
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing procurement team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and data‑driven decision making.
- Champion a member‑first mindset across procurement and supplier management.
- Promote collaboration across teams to enhance service delivery and identify cross‑selling opportunities.
What you will bring
- Proven senior procurement leadership experience within agriculture, financial services, insurance, commercial services, or other regulated industries.
- Expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, supplier management, negotiations, and procurement transformation.
- Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and lead organisation‑wide change.
- Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
- Experience with digital CLM tools.
- Background in agri‑business or membership‑based organisations.
- Understanding of agricultural industry challenges.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Agriculture, or related field preferred.
- Customer service training or qualifications beneficial.
Who you are
- Champions our core values and delivers outstanding customer service.
- Brings drive, resilience, and a proactive mindset.
- Takes ownership and accountability for team performance.
- Builds strong relationships and fosters collaboration.
- Approaches challenges with positivity, initiative, and a solutions‑focused attitude.
- Is friendly, approachable, and committed to continuous improvement.
Our Values – The 6Cs
We foster a collaborative, supportive culture where colleagues feel valued and recognised. Our 6Cs detail how we expect all colleagues to work together every day, and as a leader in the business the CPO will be expected to champion them.
Why Join The AF Group?
You’ll play a central role in shaping the future of procurement within one of the UK’s leading agricultural buying groups. This is your chance to influence strategy at the highest level, drive meaningful change, and deliver exceptional value to our members.
Salary: Competitive + annual car allowance of £7,500
Hours: 37.5 per week Monday to Friday
Additional Benefits
- 8% employer pension contribution (salary sacrifice)
- 26 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays. This rises with each years’ service by an additional day, up to 4 extra days
- Have your birthday off as an extra days holiday, if it falls on your working day
- Free lunch daily from our onsite Café
- AF Membership (giving discounts at hundreds of retailers and suppliers)
- Life assurance 3 x salary
- Private Health Insurance (family cover)
- Discounted gym membership
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary Sacrifice car scheme
- Hybrid working (1 day working from home per week)
Chief Procurement Officer employer: AF (The AF Group)
The AF Group is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that values its employees and fosters professional growth. As the UK’s largest member-owned agricultural purchasing co-operative, you will have the unique opportunity to influence procurement strategy at a board level while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous pension contribution, additional holiday for service, and hybrid working options. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural community and be part of a team that champions excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Procurement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent news, and challenges in the agricultural sector. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Chief Procurement Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best value. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Procurement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the AF Group, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Chief Procurement Officer, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate how you've led teams and influenced stakeholders in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive change, so let that shine through.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the best fit for this role. Remember, we want to understand your value quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AF (The AF Group)
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in areas like strategic sourcing and supplier management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led negotiations or improved supplier performance in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Procurement Officer, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Understand the Agricultural Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and trends in the agricultural industry. Being able to discuss these insights will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the sector, which is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've embedded best-practice procurement behaviours and collaborated cross-functionally to achieve business objectives.
