At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate pricing in a fast-paced fresh produce environment.
- Company: Join a major fresh produce business with a dynamic commercial team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Enjoy a hands-on role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply and customer service in the fresh produce market.
- Qualifications: Experience in fresh produce trading, procurement, or supplier management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
A commercial fresh produce role for someone who understands the pace of fruit trading, supplier relationships and wholesale-led decision-making.
A major fresh produce business is looking for a Senior Commercial Procurement Manager to join its commercial procurement team. This is not a corporate procurement role. It is a hands-on, market-facing position where supply, price, quality, availability and customer demand all need to be balanced quickly and commercially.
The role sits close to the wholesale and trading side of the business, so it will suit someone who enjoys the pace of fresh produce, understands daily market movement, and is comfortable working in an early-start, commercially driven environment.
The Opportunity
This is a key role within a large fresh produce operation, focused on securing the right supply, at the right quality and price, while supporting margin, availability and customer service.
You’ll work closely with suppliers, growers, traders, commercial teams, technical, logistics and operations, making sure supply programmes are commercially sound and responsive to market conditions.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage supplier and grower relationships across fresh produce categories.
- Negotiate pricing, supply, claims and commercial terms.
- Support daily and seasonal trading decisions around availability, quality, margin and customer demand.
- Work closely with sales, trading, technical, logistics and operations teams.
- Monitor market movement, supply risk, crop conditions and pricing pressure.
- Help shape supply programmes that balance service, quality and profitability.
- Build strong, practical relationships with suppliers, growers and internal stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll need strong fresh produce experience, ideally with fruit categories such as grapes, citrus, berries, stone fruit, melons, tropical fruit or exotics. The business is open to different routes into the role, but your background is likely to include one or more of the following:
- Fresh produce trading
- Sales and procurement
- Commercial procurement
- Fruit buying
- Wholesale or foodservice produce
- Supplier-side commercial management
- Retail-facing fresh produce supply
You do not need to come from a traditional procurement structure. What matters is that you understand fresh produce, can negotiate commercially, manage supplier relationships, react to market movement and make good decisions under pressure. You’ll be commercially sharp, practical, confident with suppliers and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment where no two days are the same.
Why Join?
This is a strong opportunity to join a major fresh produce business in a visible commercial role, with real influence over supply, margin, availability and customer service. You’ll be close to the action, working in a business where market knowledge, supplier relationships and sound judgement really matter.
Senior Commercial Procurement Manager - Fresh Produce employer: Henderson Brown
Henderson Brown is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in Northamptonshire, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our operations. We offer competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the thriving food manufacturing sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our commercial strategy and be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Procurement Manager - Fresh Produce
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Henderson Brown.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Procurement Manager - Fresh Produce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Henderson Brown:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Henderson Brown. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Henderson Brown.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Henderson Brown!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Henderson Brown. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Henderson Brown's culture.
