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, car allowance, generous holiday, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and member value.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement and make a real impact in agriculture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in procurement with strong commercial acumen.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Agriculture, or related field preferred.
- Customer service training or qualifications beneficial.
We’re looking for someone who:
- 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.
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 £7,500Hours: 37.5 per week Monday to Friday
Additional Benefits: 8% employer pension contribution (salary sacrifice), 26 days holiday per annum.
Chief Procurement Officer in London employer: AF (The AF Group)
The AF Group is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Chief Procurement Officer to lead and innovate within the UK's largest member-owned agricultural purchasing co-operative. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on sustainability, you will be empowered to make a significant impact while enjoying competitive benefits, including a generous pension contribution and ample holiday allowance. Join us in shaping the future of procurement and delivering outstanding value to our members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Procurement Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CPO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past achievements in procurement and how you've driven value in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company inside out! Understand AF Group's mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to the agricultural community.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Procurement Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief Procurement Officer role. Highlight your procurement leadership experience and how it relates to the agricultural sector.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve driven commercial growth or improved supplier performance.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see your passion for procurement and how you embody our core values. A friendly, approachable tone can make a big difference!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us get to know you better from the start.
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 the agricultural sector. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in procurement that could impact the AF Group. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Procurement Officer, you'll need to lead a high-performing team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to inspire, develop, and drive results. Highlight any experience you have with fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in discussions about strategic sourcing and supplier management. Be ready to share your thoughts on how to identify opportunities for commercial growth and operational efficiency. Think about specific strategies you've implemented before and be prepared to discuss their outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Influence
The role requires influencing senior stakeholders, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments. Discuss how you've built relationships and collaborated across functions to achieve common goals, showcasing your communication skills and commercial acumen.
