At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fresh produce procurement, managing supplier relationships and ensuring quality and availability.
- Company: Global leader in fresh produce with a dynamic and impactful environment.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for overseas travel.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of supplier programmes and make a real impact in the fresh produce industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in fresh produce procurement and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A senior fresh produce procurement role with real ownership of supplier programmes, margin, quality and availability.
- London
- Hybrid working: 3 days on-site, Tuesday to Thursday
The Opportunity
This is a senior procurement opportunity with a leading global fresh produce business, focused on securing reliable, commercially strong supply programmes across fresh produce categories.
The role will suit someone who understands the pace and pressure of fresh produce.
You will be working with growers, suppliers and internal teams to make sure the business has the right supply, at the right quality and value, while protecting margin and service.
This is not a back-office procurement role.
It is supplier-facing, commercially accountable and closely linked to sales, operations, technical, logistics and finance.
You will need to be confident managing market movement, crop conditions, supply risk, negotiation and category performance.
There will also be some overseas travel, typically a handful of times per year, linked to suppliers, markets and industry activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Build sourcing plans and secure reliable supply programmes across fresh produce categories.
- Manage grower and supplier relationships, including negotiation, contracts and commercial agreements.
- Monitor crop conditions, market trends and supply risks to support buying decisions.
- Own category performance, with a focus on sales, margin, profitability, quality and availability.
- Work closely with Sales, Operations, Technical, Logistics and Finance to support customer requirements.
- Coach and develop Commercial Executives or wider team members where appropriate.
- What We’re Looking For
You will need proven buying, procurement or commercial supply experience within fresh produce.
The strongest fit would be someone with experience across fruit, berries, salad, vegetables or another large fresh category.
Imports, international growers or supplier programme experience would be useful, but the key requirement is strong fresh produce commercial judgement.
You will need to be comfortable with supplier negotiation, market volatility, margin ownership and cross-functional working.
This would not suit someone from a purely indirect procurement background or a highly corporate procurement role with limited exposure to fresh, seasonal or commodity-led supply chains.
Why Join?
This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants a senior role in a serious fresh produce environment, with genuine ownership of supplier relationships, category performance and commercial returns.
You will be joining a business with scale, brand strength and a global supply base, but the role itself is still close enough to the action to make a visible impact.
For someone who enjoys the challenge of fresh produce procurement — balancing quality, availability, cost, margin and supplier performance — this is a role with real substance.
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Senior 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 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 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.
