Job Title: Agri-Procurement Manager (Produce)
Location: Lurgan, Northern Ireland
Reporting to: Senior Purchasing Manager
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
About the Role
Our client is a leading food manufacturer supplying fresh and chilled products to major retailers across the UK and Ireland. They are seeking an experienced Agri-Procurement Manager to take ownership of the fresh produce supply chain, ensuring continuity of supply, cost control and quality while developing strong supplier partnerships.
This is a commercially focused role requiring strong agronomy, procurement and supply chain expertise, working closely with production, technical and commercial teams to support business growth and product innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the fresh produce supply base, ensuring continuity of supply while balancing seasonal availability and cost.
- Forecast produce requirements from growing through to harvest.
- Develop resilience plans to minimise supply chain risk.
- Source and negotiate with suppliers to secure best value and quality.
- Manage procurement of site services including utilities, pest control, chemicals, laundry, forklifts and related services.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency and reduce costs.
- Monitor supplier performance and introduce new suppliers where appropriate.
- Work closely with Production to communicate stock levels and potential supply issues.
- Partner with Technical to ensure quality standards, food safety and product integrity are maintained.
- Lead supplier tender processes and contract negotiations.
- Conduct supplier audits and ensure compliance with food safety, ethical sourcing and legal requirements.
- Contribute to strategic procurement projects, business planning and risk mitigation.
- Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement.
- Ensure full compliance with company policies and food safety standards.
Essential Requirements
- 2-3 years' experience in a procurement or supply chain role within fresh produce, agriculture or food manufacturing.
- Degree qualified in Agriculture, Supply Chain, Food Science, Business or a related discipline.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial agreements.
- Strong understanding of budgeting and cost management.
- Excellent IT skills with experience using ERP systems.
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to perform effectively under pressure.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Full passport with willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
Desirable
- Supply chain or procurement qualification.
- Background in agronomy or fresh produce procurement.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and project management.
- Knowledge of sustainability and ethical sourcing standards.
- Experience with strategic procurement initiatives.
- Advanced Excel and ERP/MRP system knowledge.
