At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in the fresh produce sector.
- Company: Join a leading food production business with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, 33 days leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical supply chain role while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement with fresh produce and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Procurement Manager - Fresh Produce £45,000 + County Armagh Vickerstock are working in partnership with a leading food production business to recruit a Procurement Manager who will take ownership procurement across the organisation.
This is a strategically important appointment for a commercially minded procurement professional with experience in fresh produce (vegetables, fruit, potatoes).
Reporting into senior leadership, you will lead procurement strategy, manage key supplier relationships, oversee purchasing activities, and provide market intelligence to support informed business decisions.
The Opportunity Responsible for developing and delivering procurement strategies that ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and quality standards across the business.
Liaise with growers, suppliers, operations, and commercial teams to align procurement activity with production requirements while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and value creation.
Build, manage, and develop strong relationships with growers, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing structures, and supply contracts to deliver best value and security of supply.
Develop forecasting models, seasonal purchasing plans, and long-term procurement strategies.
Monitor market conditions, crop performance, pricing trends, and supply risks, providing regular reporting and commercial insight.
Manage potato settlements, cold storage agreements, and storage utilisation to maximise efficiency and profitability.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes and supplier performance.
Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement, intake, stores, and back-grading teams.
Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, quality, regulatory, and health & safety standards.
What We're Looking For Proven experience in a Procurement Manager or senior procurement position with fresh produce experience.
Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering successful procurement strategies and supplier negotiations.
Experience managing procurement budgets and making data-driven purchasing decisions.
Excellent knowledge of supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and procurement best practice.
Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and identify commercial opportunities.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Comfortable operating within a fast-paced production or agricultural environment.
Experience working directly with growers, agricultural suppliers, or primary producers would be highly advantageous.
What's On Offer Competitive salary package with performance-related bonus. 33 days annual leave.
Private medical insurance.
Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
Employee well-being initiatives and support programmes.
The opportunity to play a key role within a growing and ambitious business operating in a critical supply chain function.
Interested?
To be considered for this position, APPLY to the link provided and we will be in touch if you're meeting the criteria.
TPBN1_NI
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - Fresh Produce in Armagh
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Vickerstock.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager - Fresh Produce in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Vickerstock:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vickerstock. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Vickerstock.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Vickerstock!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Vickerstock. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Vickerstock's culture.
