At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fresh produce procurement and shape multi-year strategies.
- Company: Market-leading fresh produce business with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Senior executive package, benefits, and potential relocation support.
- Why this job: Influence strategy and outcomes in a complex, impactful role.
- Qualifications: Significant senior-level procurement experience, preferably in FMCG.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: (3–4 days per week on site)
Salary: Senior executive package (low–mid six figures) + benefits
Type: Full-time, permanent
Ready to lead fresh produce procurement?
About the Role
We’re supporting a market-leading fresh produce business to appoint a Head of Procurement into a senior leadership position within its UK operation. This role sits at the heart of a highly integrated, end-to-end supply model, working closely with growers, major UK retail customers, and internal teams across supply chain, commercial, quality, and operations. You’ll be accountable for shaping and delivering multi-year procurement strategy, leading a senior team, and ensuring the business delivers on service, quality, sustainability, and financial performance. The role is typically 3–4 days per week on site in the East of England and, for many candidates, will involve relocation.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver procurement strategy across defined product areas, aligned to 1, 3, and 5-year business plans.
- Lead, develop, and succession-plan a senior procurement team, embedding high performance and accountability.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with growers and major retail stakeholders.
- Own delivery of key financials, KPIs, and service levels across procurement and supply.
- Manage risk, market volatility, supplier onboarding, waste, and volume planning.
- Ensure best-in-class procurement standards across food safety, quality, integrity, and ethics.
- Partner closely with supply chain, commercial, quality, and finance leadership to deliver end-to-end performance.
- Act as a senior representative into retailer governance, risk, and opportunity forums.
What You’ll Bring
- Significant senior-level procurement leadership experience within FMCG (fresh produce strongly advantageous).
- Exposure to major UK supermarkets and complex, fast-moving supply chains.
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage senior stakeholder relationships.
- Strategic mindset balanced with hands-on execution capability.
- Willingness to be present on site multiple days per week.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a true leadership role within a fresh produce business operating at scale and complexity. You’ll have real influence over strategy, people, and outcomes — with the backing, scope, and remuneration expected at this level.
Interested? If you’re a senior procurement leader operating at or ready for this level, apply now or contact me for a confidential discussion.
Head of Procurement employer: Henderson Brown
Contact Detail:
Henderson Brown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fresh produce and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need to lead their procurement team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Head of Procurement role. We want to see your application and help you take the next step in your career. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your senior-level procurement experience, especially in FMCG and fresh produce, to show us you’re the right fit for this leadership position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and how your strategic mindset aligns with our goals. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered results in previous roles.
Showcase Your Relationships: We want to see how you’ve built and maintained relationships with growers and retail stakeholders. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to manage senior stakeholder relationships effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our fresh produce business.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown
✨Know Your Procurement Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the company's procurement strategy and how it aligns with their business goals. Be ready to discuss your own experience in developing and delivering procurement strategies, especially in the fresh produce sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement, you'll be leading a senior team. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to develop high-performing teams and manage senior stakeholder relationships. Highlight any succession planning you've done in previous roles.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end supply chain processes relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed risk, market volatility, and supplier onboarding in complex, fast-moving environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic mindset and hands-on execution capability. Think about challenges you've faced in procurement and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to food safety, quality, and sustainability.