At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of fresh produce, negotiate with suppliers, and build strong relationships.
- Company: Join a growing fresh produce business with an international network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ownership of procurement, and opportunities for impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role requiring adaptability and strong relationship-building skills.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sourcing decisions and product quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or buying within fresh produce or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Love the buying side of fresh produce? Enjoy negotiating with growers, building strong supplier relationships and making sure the right product is sourced at the right time and price? If you're looking for a role where you can take ownership of procurement, influence buying decisions and really make a difference commercially, this could be worth a look.
We're looking for a Procurement Manager to join a growing fresh produce business, taking responsibility for sourcing and supplier relationships across a range of products. You'll be working closely with growers and suppliers, both in the UK and internationally, making sure the business has the right supply in place while getting the best possible commercial outcomes.
What's in it for you?
- A competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- The opportunity to take ownership of procurement across key fresh produce categories.
- Plenty of variety, with a mix of buying, supplier management and commercial negotiation.
- The chance to build relationships with growers and suppliers across international markets.
- Real influence over sourcing decisions, pricing and supplier strategy.
- Involvement in new product opportunities, seasonal planning and category development.
- Work closely with teams across commercial, technical, planning and operations.
- The opportunity to make a genuine impact on product quality, availability and profitability.
What you'll be doing (and why you'll enjoy it)
You'll be at the heart of the supply side of the business, making sure the right product is coming in, at the right time, quality and price. You'll have plenty of involvement with suppliers and growers, as well as working closely with the wider team to keep everything moving. Day to day, you'll be:
- Managing relationships with existing growers and suppliers, while looking for opportunities to develop new ones.
- Sourcing fresh produce from the right suppliers and markets, balancing quality, availability and cost.
- Negotiating pricing, volumes and supply agreements to get the best commercial outcome.
- Keeping on top of market conditions, seasonal changes and crop availability to make informed buying decisions.
- Planning ahead for seasonal programmes and making sure supply is in place to meet customer demand.
- Monitoring supplier performance, quality, service levels and pricing.
- Dealing with the challenges that come with fresh produce, from availability issues and changing market prices to quality concerns.
- Working closely with the commercial team to understand customer requirements and make sure procurement decisions support the wider business.
- Looking at new growers, growing regions and sourcing opportunities to strengthen the supply base.
- Keeping an eye on margins and looking for ways to improve buying performance.
- Working with technical and quality teams to make sure suppliers meet the required standards.
- Getting involved in new product opportunities, varieties and category development.
Fresh produce is never completely predictable, so you'll need to enjoy thinking on your feet, building relationships and making decisions when things change. It's a hands-on role where being commercially switched on and knowing your product will really count.
Where you'll be doing it
You'll be joining an established and growing fresh produce business with a strong customer base and an international network of growers and suppliers. This is an excellent opportunity to join a business where you can build supplier relationships, bring new ideas to the table and have a real influence over how and where products are sourced.
What you'll need
- Experience in Procurement, Buying or Sourcing within fresh produce, food or FMCG.
- Experience managing supplier and grower relationships.
- A good understanding of fresh produce markets, seasonality and availability.
- Confidence negotiating pricing, volumes and supply agreements.
- A strong commercial understanding, particularly around costs, margins and buying decisions.
- Good communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to manage changing priorities and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Someone organised, proactive and comfortable getting involved in the detail.
Experience sourcing internationally, working directly with growers or managing multiple fresh produce categories would be a real advantage. We're not necessarily looking for someone who ticks every single box. More importantly, we want someone who understands the fresh produce industry, enjoys the challenge of buying and can build relationships that deliver for the business.
Procurement Manager in England employer: Linkedin
LinkedIn is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in London that prioritises trust, inclusion, and employee growth. With a hybrid work model, employees enjoy the flexibility to balance their professional and personal lives while being part of a team that values collaboration and innovation. The company invests in its workforce, providing transformational opportunities that empower employees to thrive and succeed in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in England
✨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 Linkedin.
✨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 Procurement Manager in England
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 Linkedin:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Linkedin. 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 Linkedin.
How to prepare for a job interview at Linkedin
✨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 Linkedin!
✨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 Linkedin. 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 Linkedin's culture.
