Buying Manager (UK & Ireland) in London

Fruchthansa GmbH is a family‐owned business and has been one of the leading architects of modern fresh supply chains and sustainable logistics networks in Europe for over 50 years. We integrate production, import, ripening, packaging, and distribution under one roof – with passion for quality, speed, and partnership. Together with a committed team and our customers in the food retail sector, we are shaping the fresh supply chain of tomorrow: transparent, efficient, and sustainable.

Your Mission

As Buying Manager (all genders) for the UK & Ireland, you take ownership of the procurement and supply planning for our fresh produce portfolio across both markets. You are the expert who secures the right products at the right quality, price, and time – balancing customer requirements, supplier capabilities, and market dynamics. With your commercial instinct and category expertise, you drive margin optimisation, supplier performance, and product availability while maintaining the quality standards our customers expect.

Your Responsibilities

• Manage the end‐to‐end procurement of fresh produce for the UK & Ireland, ensuring strong availability, consistent quality, and competitive pricing.
• Build and maintain close relationships with growers, packers, and suppliers across Europe and internationally.
• Track market trends, seasonal dynamics, and pricing developments, using your insights to anticipate risks and opportunities.
• Work closely with the Country Manager on commercial planning, customer expectations, and pricing alignment.
• Coordinate with the Supply Chain team to ensure smooth stock rotation, volume planning, and on‐time delivery.
• Negotiate terms and contracts that balance commercial value with long‐term, sustainable supplier partnerships.
• Monitor performance indicators and margin development, providing clear reporting and recommendations.
• Support the introduction of new products and suppliers that strengthen our portfolio and customer offering.

Your Profile

• Experience in buying, procurement, or category management – ideally within fresh produce, FMCG, or food retail.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills, with a commercial instinct for balancing cost, quality, and availability.
• Solid understanding of seasonality, supply chain flows, and product quality standards.
• Confident handling of data, pricing models, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Clear, credible communication with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Proactive mindset and the ability to make sound decisions in fast‐moving situations.
• Comfortable working independently while staying closely aligned with key stakeholders.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with ERP or procurement systems.
• Willingness to travel across the UK, Europe, and occasionally further afield.
• Excellent command of English; other languages (German, Spanish, Dutch) are a plus.

What We Offer

• A key role with direct impact on product quality, margin performance, and customer satisfaction across the UK & Ireland markets.
• Close collaboration with the Country Manager and head office procurement team, with autonomy to shape buying strategies and supplier relationships.
• An agile, entrepreneurial environment where your commercial expertise and market insights drive decision‐making.
• A committed, experienced team with deep industry knowledge, strong supplier networks, and a collaborative spirit.
• Hybrid/Remote working, 25 days holiday + bank holidays, Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme and Pension, Performance Bonus and Private Medical Insurance.
• Development opportunities within procurement, category management, and commercial operations.
• The chance to work with premium fresh produce and contribute to sustainable, transparent supply chains.

You are commercially sharp, know your produce, and want to make a real impact on buying performance? We look forward to receiving your application -- including CV, available start date, and salary expectations.