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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage teams to ensure quality and cost-effective supply.
- Company: Join Riverford, an employee-owned business focused on sustainability and fairness.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, profit sharing, and free organic meals.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable sourcing while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 78000 £ per year.
Riverford is an employee-owned business. Join a supportive, down-to-earth and solutions-driven Procurement team, and be part of a mission that goes beyond profit. Our HQ is at Wash Farm in Devon, a beautiful place to work. As a co-owner, you’ll benefit from 33 days holiday (pro rata, including bank holidays), an ethical & generous company pension scheme, and an annual profit share where 10% of all profits are split equally among co-owners. We also offer discounted organic breakfasts and lunches, free organic fruit and veg to take home, and free parking. Grow with Riverford with training tailored to help you grow and achieve your goals.
As our Head of Procurement, you’ll help shape Riverford’s future. The Head of Procurement is responsible for delivering Riverford’s sourcing strategy for direct goods to customers (produce, products and packaging), currently valued at £40m. The role also supports the business department heads in the purchase of indirect goods and services currently valued at £15m. Your work will support our Action Plan by keeping quality high, costs sensible, and risks managed — all while helping us stay true to our values around sustainability, fairness, and reducing waste.
You’ll support teams across the business with clear, practical procurement guidance. This isn’t about policing how people buy things — it’s about being a partner and stakeholder. This role drives commercial performance, supplier partnerships, risk management, and sustainability. It oversees procurement teams responsible for buying, inbound logistics and declaration, with supply chain optimisation. You’ll lead a team of three direct reports with their respective teams to ensure a consistent, high-quality, and cost-effective supply of products.
Salary: £75,000 per annum.
Location: Hybrid working is an option, but we require a minimum of 3 days in the office, which is based in Buckfastleigh, Devon.
Hours: 40 hours a week, Monday - Friday.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver Riverford’s sourcing strategy for direct goods (produce, products and packaging) and support indirect procurement as needed.
- Lead and manage the procurement teams, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective supply and risk management.
- Drive supplier partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and supply chain optimisation.
- Provide clear, practical procurement guidance to cross-functional teams.
- Collaborate with department heads to align procurement with company values and strategic goals.
What You’ll Bring:
- Essential:
- Experience in both direct and indirect procurement or strategic sourcing.
- Experience in management across multicategory portfolios.
- Effective stakeholder engagement at senior level.
- FMCG and commodity market expertise.
- Proven costs saving, contract negotiation, and P&L management experience.
- Positive communication, direction, and team management skills.
- Proficiency with procurement systems (ERP, market intelligence tools).
- Highly desirable:
- Formal procurement qualification to CIPS level 6 or equivalent.
- Experience leading procurement digital transformation or ERP/S2P implementation.
- Experience in both retail and food service/food manufacturing environments.
What We’re Looking For:
- Dynamic
- Fast moving
- Adaptable
- Problem solver
- Natural at building relationships and long-term partnerships
Application Process: We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the advert early, so we encourage you to apply soon.
Head of Procurement employer: Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd
Contact Detail:
Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Riverford or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Riverford's values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with our commitment to sustainability and fairness. Tailor your answers to reflect our culture, and you'll stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to drive cost savings and manage supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with a friend to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in being part of the Riverford family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in FMCG and commodity markets, and don’t forget to showcase your management skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your values align with ours at Riverford. Remember, we’re all about sustainability and fairness, so let that passion come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements. Did you save costs or improve supplier relationships? Quantify your successes to give us a clear picture of what you can bring to the table. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t wait too long; we’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis!
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Procurement, you'll be dealing with significant budgets. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed costs, negotiated contracts, and achieved savings in previous roles. Specific examples will show you understand the financial impact of procurement decisions.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires effective engagement with senior stakeholders. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully collaborated with different departments or influenced decision-making at a high level. Highlight your communication style and how you build relationships to drive results.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Riverford values sustainability, so be prepared to discuss how you've integrated sustainable practices into procurement strategies. Share examples of how you've balanced cost-effectiveness with ethical sourcing and waste reduction, aligning with their mission beyond profit.
✨Lead with Confidence
You'll be leading a team, so demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Talk about how you've motivated teams, managed performance, and fostered a collaborative environment. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and driving commercial performance.
