At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and supplier management to drive value for our members.
- Company: Join the UK's largest member-owned agricultural co-operative, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private health insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and member-first mindset.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement in agriculture while supporting over 3,000 farmers.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in procurement with strong commercial acumen and team development skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The AF Group is the UK’s largest Member‑owned, non‑profit agricultural purchasing co‑operative, representing over 3,000 farmers and rural businesses. Based in the UK, it leverages a £330m+ annual turnover to deliver cost‑effective procurement for inputs like fuel, fertiliser and machinery, aiming to save its Members time and money.
The AF Group is seeking an exceptional Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to shape, elevate and deliver our procurement and supplier management strategy. This is a pivotal, board‑level role reporting directly to the CEO, responsible for ensuring we secure the right products and services at the right value—while upholding the highest standards of governance, operational excellence, sustainability, and member value. If you are a commercially driven, forward‑thinking procurement leader who thrives in a complex, fast‑moving environment, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact across our organisation and the wider agricultural community.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a procurement and supplier management strategy aligned with our business objectives.
- Identify opportunities for commercial growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced supplier performance.
- Lead strategic supplier negotiations to secure best value, innovation, and risk mitigation.
- Drive new procurement opportunities and value‑add services informed by market trends.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to improve processes, digital capabilities, and member outcomes.
- Oversee supplier segmentation, governance frameworks, KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement programmes.
- Influence senior stakeholders to embed best‑practice procurement behaviours.
- Support wider business teams during peak periods as needed.
What you will lead
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing procurement team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and data‑driven decision making.
- Champion a member‑first mindset across procurement and supplier management.
- Promote collaboration across teams to enhance service delivery and identify cross‑selling opportunities.
What you will bring
Essential:
- Proven senior procurement leadership experience within agriculture, financial services, insurance, commercial services, or other regulated industries.
- Expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, supplier management, negotiations, and procurement transformation.
- Experience implementing digital procurement tools.
- Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and lead organisation‑wide change.
- Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
Desirable:
- Experience with digital CLM tools.
- Background in agri‑business or membership‑based organisations.
- Understanding of agricultural industry challenges.
Qualifications
- Professional procurement qualification (MCIPS or equivalent).
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Agriculture, or related field preferred.
- Customer service training or qualifications beneficial.
Who you are
We’re looking for someone who:
- Champions our core values and delivers outstanding customer service.
- Brings drive, resilience, and a proactive mindset.
- Takes ownership and accountability for team performance.
- Builds strong relationships and fosters collaboration.
- Approaches challenges with positivity, initiative, and a solutions‑focused attitude.
- Is friendly, approachable, and committed to continuous improvement.
Our Values – The 6Cs – Being better, together
- Care
- Curiosity
- Create
- Collaborate
- Challenge
- Communicate
We foster a collaborative, supportive culture where colleagues feel valued and recognised. Our 6Cs detail how we expect all colleagues to work together every day, and as a leader in the business the CPO will be expected to champion them.
Benefits
- Salary: Competitive + annual car allowance of £7,500
- Hours: 37.5 per week Monday to Friday
- 8% employer pension contribution (salary sacrifice)
- 26 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays. This rises with each year’s service by an additional day, up to 4 extra days
- Birthday off as an extra day holiday, if it falls on your working day
- Free lunch daily from our onsite Café
- AF Membership (giving discounts at hundreds of retailers and suppliers)
- Life assurance 3 x salary
- Private Health Insurance (family cover)
- Discounted gym membership
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary Sacrifice car scheme
- Hybrid working (1 day working from home per week)
- Free onsite parking
Job Type: Full‑time
Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) in Norwich employer: The AF Group
The AF Group is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that values its employees and champions continuous improvement. As the UK's largest member-owned agricultural purchasing co-operative, it provides meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous pension contribution, private health insurance, and hybrid working arrangements. Joining the AF Group means being part of a mission-driven organisation that prioritises member value and sustainability, making a significant impact in the agricultural community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the agricultural sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a CPO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their procurement strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've developed high-performing teams and driven change in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and foster collaboration.
✨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 with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement, especially in agriculture or regulated industries. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at AF Group!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a CPO, you'll be leading a high-performing team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've led. We love seeing examples of how you've inspired others!
Highlight Your Commercial Acumen:We’re looking for someone with strong commercial insight. Be sure to include specific examples of how you've driven value through strategic sourcing or supplier negotiations in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at AF Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at The AF Group
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in areas like strategic sourcing and supplier management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led negotiations and implemented digital tools in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a CPO, you'll be leading a team, so highlight your experience in developing high-performing teams. Share specific examples of how you've inspired accountability and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Agricultural Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges in the agricultural industry. Being able to discuss market trends and how they impact procurement will show that you're not just a leader, but also someone who understands the sector deeply.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
The role requires cross-functional collaboration, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked with other departments to enhance service delivery. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced stakeholders in previous positions.
