At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for fresh produce and transform agricultural supply chains.
- Company: Join HelloFresh, a leader in meal kit delivery with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 70% off meal boxes, gym membership, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Hybrid working policy and a dog-friendly office environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food sourcing while mentoring future leaders.
- Qualifications: 6-8+ years in strategic procurement, especially in fresh produce or agriculture.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the Role
As the Senior International Category Manager for Fresh Produce (PHF), you are a strategic leader steering our 2026+ "Refresh" strategy across international markets. You will own a complex, high‑impact portfolio, designing long‑term sourcing strategies that elevate product quality, scale our weekly menu, and drive structural ingredient variety. You will be a standard‑bearer for our PHF vision—to source produce that meets customer expectations of quality and convenience at the best cost. In this senior role, you will go beyond execution to focus on mentorship, matrix leadership, and fundamentally transforming the agricultural supply chain.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Portfolio Strategy & Value Creation: Define and execute the multi‑year sourcing strategy for a complex produce portfolio, unlocking macro‑level sourcing opportunities and driving systemic cost efficiencies to optimize total cost of ownership across the global network.
- Drive "Direct-to-Grower" Transformation: Lead high‑stakes negotiations and forge long‑term strategic partnerships to rapidly scale our Direct‑to‑Grower models, designing and optimizing supply chain structures with central cross‑docking platforms to revolutionise freshness and speed‑to‑market.
- Spearhead Matrix Leadership & Trust: Act as a senior leader and mentor within the PHF team, upskilling junior buyers and regional teams, cultivating deep trust with executive stakeholders and aligning with FSQA and SCO leadership to ensure the "One Team" mentality scales across the business.
- Master Strategic Risk Management: Design an overarching strategy for agricultural risk management, climate adaptation and complex multi‑region seasonality planning, building highly resilient supply chains capable of weathering macroeconomics and environmental shifts.
- Champion NID & Menu Expansion: Partner strategically with culinary and product leadership to integrate New Ingredient Development (NID) at a portfolio level, ensuring our international supply base supports HelloFresh’s future menu complexity.
- Execute Complex Contracts: Lead the drafting, negotiation and execution of complex, high‑value supplier agreements and long‑term Joint Business Plans (JBPs).
- Deliver Market Intelligence: Serve as the internal subject‑matter expert on global agricultural macro‑trends, currency impacts and climate shifts, translating insights into actionable procurement and pricing strategies.
What You’ll Bring
- Experience: 6–8+ years of strategic procurement or sourcing experience, with a proven track record specifically in fresh produce, agriculture or highly perishable food categories.
- Strategic Vision: Experience designing and executing multi‑year category strategies and transforming supply chains (e.g., transitioning from wholesale to direct‑to‑grower/cross‑docking models).
- Advanced Negotiation: Expert‑level negotiation skills, with experience managing multi‑million‑euro portfolios and closing complex, long‑term international contracts.
- Leadership Presence: Demonstrated ability to influence at the executive level and lead complex matrix teams, mentoring to elevate performance.
- Deep Subject‑Matter Expertise: Systemic understanding of global agricultural supply chains, cold‑chain logistics, agronomic risk management and market economics.
- Data‑Driven Mindset: Ability to synthesize complex macro‑data into clear, strategic roadmaps and business cases.
What You Will Get In Return
- 70% off HelloFresh or Green Chef boxes
- Company pension scheme
- Gym membership
- Bupa private medical insurance (including dental & family cover options)
- Mental health first aiders and an employee assistance programme
- Dog‑friendly office!
- Nursery support scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Group Life Assurance
Location
The HelloFresh Farm, 60 Worship Street, EC2A 2EZ, London.
To be considered for this role
You’ll need to have the independent right to work in the UK, as we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship at this time.
Hybrid Working Policy
We offer a hybrid working policy for eligible roles, allowing flexibility to work from home and in the office. For more details on eligibility and how this applies to the role you’re applying for, please consult with your recruiter.
Senior International Category Manager employer: HelloFresh
At HelloFresh, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior International Category Manager based in London, you will benefit from a comprehensive package including generous discounts on meal boxes, private medical insurance, and a supportive environment that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With opportunities for mentorship and leadership development, you'll play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural supply chain while enjoying the perks of a dog-friendly office and a hybrid working policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior International Category Manager
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like HelloFresh often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior International Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what HelloFresh does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at HelloFresh
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with HelloFresh will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at HelloFresh.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with HelloFresh.
