At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and support teams in sourcing sustainable goods.
- Company: Join Riverford, a thriving employee-owned business passionate about organic farming.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, profit sharing, and discounted organic meals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with a beautiful HQ in Devon.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
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Work with us at Riverford, and join a thriving employee-owned business. Be part of a supportive, down-to-earth and solutions driven Procurement team.
At Riverford, our passion for organic vegetables is unmatched. We're not just about delivering veg boxes; we're dedicated to sustainable farming and community building. As a part of our team, you become a co-owner, sharing in our successes and contributing to a mission that goes beyond profit. We aim to make Riverford a fulfilling place to work, where our co-owners feel valued.
Our HQ at Wash Farm in Devon is a beautiful place to work, surrounded by good people, good food, and plenty of fresh air. 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 heavily discounted organic breakfasts and lunches, free organic fruit and veg to take home and free parking.
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 customer (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.
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 in Exeter employer: Riverford Organic Farmers
Contact Detail:
Riverford Organic Farmers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those at Riverford. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨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 community building. We love seeing candidates who share our passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to drive commercial performance. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner, the better!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for procurement and sustainability.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in both direct and indirect procurement. Show us how your skills align with our mission at Riverford and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it’s cost savings or successful negotiations, we love to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board with our fantastic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverford Organic Farmers
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of both direct and indirect procurement. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in FMCG and commodity markets, as well as any recent developments in sustainable sourcing. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader who understands the industry.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Think about specific situations where your communication and relationship-building skills made a difference. Riverford values partnership, so demonstrating your ability to collaborate will set you apart.
✨Highlight Cost-Saving Achievements
Be ready to discuss your experience with cost-saving initiatives and contract negotiations. Bring concrete examples of how you've managed P&L and delivered results. This role is all about driving commercial performance, so showcasing your successes here will resonate well.
✨Emphasise Your Team Leadership
As you'll be leading a team, it's crucial to convey your management style and how you motivate others. Share stories that illustrate your positive communication and direction skills. Riverford is looking for someone who can inspire their team while maintaining high standards in procurement.