Global Logistics Procurement Manager in Kings Hill

Come and join the leading #avoexperts. Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain, we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes and fresh produce – 365 days a year across the globe. With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail and wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America and Southern Africa.

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Logistics Manager to lead and optimise our end-to-end logistics operations across the fresh produce supply chain. This role is critical in ensuring the seamless, efficient, and sustainable movement of product from grower source through to retail and wholesale customers.

Working closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Sourcing and Operations, and Commercial teams, you will play a key role in delivering best-in-class service, protecting product freshness and quality, and driving operational excellence across inbound, internal, and outbound logistics activities.

The successful candidate will bring strong logistics expertise, strategic thinking, and proven leadership capability, with the ability to build high-performing partnerships and teams while continuously improving cost, service, resilience, and customer satisfaction across the network.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute logistics strategies that support business growth, service excellence, product quality, and sustainability goals.
• Design and continuously optimise the end-to-end logistics network from grower origins to distribution hubs and customer delivery points.
• Oversee all transport operations including ocean freight, port handling, warehousing, road transport, and final-mile delivery while ensuring cold chain integrity.
• Manage inbound, internal, and outbound freight flows with focus on cost efficiency, service levels, timeliness, and product quality.
• Implement robust logistics processes, risk mitigation, and contingency plans to minimise disruptions and protect service continuity.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sourcing, Operations, Commercial, Procurement, and Finance teams to align supply, customer demand, and logistics performance.
• Lead selection, negotiation, and performance management of 3PLs, carriers, shipping lines, and warehouse partners, driving continuous improvement and long-term partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with international transport regulations, customs requirements, and sustainability initiatives including carbon reduction and packaging efficiency.
• Monitor logistics KPIs, supplier risks, budgets, and commercial terms to optimise operational and financial performance.
• Build and lead a high-performing logistics team, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, succession planning, and talent development.

Requirements

Essential

• Significant logistics and supply chain experience within fresh produce, food or FMCG environments.
• Proven experience managing Pan European logistics operations across complex, multi-country supply chains.
• Strong operational logistics background across warehousing, freight forwarding, international transport and distribution.
• Experience managing multimodal freight operations including ocean, road and air freight.
• Proven experience managing third party logistics providers, supplier performance and logistics tenders.
• Strong understanding of temperature controlled and time sensitive supply chains, including cold chain operations.
• Experience developing and optimising logistics networks to improve service, quality and cost performance.
• Strong knowledge of customs processes, import and export requirements and international logistics compliance.
• Strong analytical, financial and commercial capability, including experience using ERP systems and logistics reporting tools.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills, with the ability to operate across both strategic and operational levels.

Desirable

• Experience operating within global logistics or international supply chain environments beyond Europe.
• Experience within avocado, fresh produce or broader perishable goods sectors.
• Understanding of fruit ripening processes and shelf life considerations linked to logistics operations.
• Additional European language skills, particularly Spanish.
• Experience supporting sustainability and logistics efficiency initiatives.
• Exposure to logistics systems implementation, transport optimisation or supply chain digitalisation projects.
• Understanding of retail and wholesale customer fulfilment requirements within fresh food supply chains.
• Experience working within matrix or globally integrated organisations.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday, inclusive of bank and public holidays.
• Discretionary Company Bonus.
• Free on-site parking.
• Company pension plan.
• Medicash cash plan.
• Life Insurance.

Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.