At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and supplier strategy for fresh produce and other food categories.
- Company: Join Reynolds Food Group, a leader in the food procurement industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, car allowance, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategy and make a real impact in a high-stakes environment.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience in food, especially fresh produce, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
We’re recruiting a Head of Procurement (Produce & Ambient) to lead sourcing, supplier strategy, and commercial performance across one of the most business‑critical areas of our operation.
This is a high‑impact, senior commercial role with ownership of fresh produce at its core, alongside dairy, bakery, chilled, frozen, and ambient food categories. You’ll play a pivotal part in securing supply, protecting margins, and building an industry‑leading procurement function.
The Role
- Own the end‑to‑end sourcing strategy across fresh produce, dairy, bakery, chilled, frozen, and ambient categories
- Lead and develop a high‑performing procurement team, with clear succession planning
- Manage domestic and global suppliers, growers, processors, and import partners
- Negotiate short, medium, and long‑term contracts, driving value, resilience, and continuity of supply
- Balance commercial performance with food safety, ethical, and sustainability standards
- Work cross‑functionally with Supply Chain, Technical, Quality, Logistics, Operations, and Sales
- Mitigate risk linked to seasonality, weather, market volatility, and global supply disruption
- Drive margin performance, cost savings, forecast accuracy, waste reduction, and supplier KPIs
What We’re Looking For
- You’ll be a proven procurement leader with significant senior‑level procurement experience within food, with a strong bias to fresh produce
- Multi‑category exposure across fresh, chilled, frozen, bakery, dairy, and ambient
- Deep understanding of produce seasonality, global sourcing, and pricing dynamics
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability within FMCG
- Experience modernising or transforming procurement functions
- Previous people leadership experience within food or fresh produce
- CIPS or equivalent qualification (desirable)
You’ll also bring gravitas, resilience, and the ability to operate calmly in fast‑moving, commercially intense environments.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive annual salary
- Bonus Scheme
- Car allowance
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Private health insurance, pension, life assurance
- Retail discounts and additional long‑service benefits
Working Pattern
- Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
- Early starts required to align with operational changeovers
- Flexibility during seasonal peaks and international supplier travel (UK & overseas)
If you’re a senior procurement professional with deep fresh‑produce expertise and ambition to shape strategy at scale, we’d love to hear from you.
Reynolds Food Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Purchasing Officer - Immediate in London employer: Reynolds Food Group
Reynolds Food Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, where you can lead and innovate within the procurement sector. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a bonus scheme, private health insurance, and generous holiday allowance, we foster a culture of collaboration and excellence. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the food industry while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Officer - Immediate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local procurement events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We suggest you come armed with insights about their supply chain and how you can add value. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a procurement professional, showcasing your ability to negotiate effectively during interviews can set you apart. We recommend role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Officer - Immediate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your procurement leadership experience, especially in fresh produce, and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with multi-category procurement and how you’ve successfully led teams in fast-paced environments.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key in this role, be sure to include examples of successful contracts you've negotiated. This will demonstrate your ability to drive value and resilience in supply chains.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reynolds Food Group
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the fresh produce, dairy, bakery, chilled, frozen, and ambient categories. Research current trends, pricing dynamics, and seasonality to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss how you balanced commercial performance with food safety and sustainability standards, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Be prepared to talk about your experience in leading high-performing teams. Share specific instances where you developed talent and implemented succession planning, as this is key for the Head of Procurement position.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally by discussing how you've collaborated with other departments like Supply Chain, Quality, and Sales. This shows that you can think strategically and mitigate risks effectively.
