Global Logistics Procurement Manager in Spalding

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 & 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 & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & 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. Based in Munich, 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 & 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:

• Logistics or supply chain roles, preferably in the fresh produce, food, or FMCG sectors.
• Proven track record managing regional logistics, multimodal freight (sea, air, road), and temperature-controlled environments.
• Experience in developing 3PL and carrier partnerships and managing distribution networks.
• Experience in creating and co-ordinating an integrated logistics operation from locally managed operations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively run logistics operations which are not yet utilising advanced systems, combined with experience in logistics systems implementation and needs definition.
• Deep knowledge of logistics operations, route optimisation, and cold chain logistics.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with ERP systems (SAP, D365, BI tools), and supply chain analytics tools.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget ownership, cost modelling, and freight contract negotiation.
• Understanding of customs, import/export regulations, and Incoterms across international markets.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities and with ability to operate at both operational and executive levels.
• Collaborative, with excellent cross-functional influencing skills, and managing complex supplier negotiations.
• Highly analytical with a data-driven mindset.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to build trust at all levels internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and embed governance frameworks that drive alignment across regional operations.
• Customer driven, in every aspect of their work.
• Ability to get creative and find practical solutions to business problems, whilst ensuring they are commercially viable.
• Proven experience in strategic procurement, preferably in a pan-European or global role.
• Fluency in English is mandatory with strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and presentation skills.
• Experience developing supplier partnerships and managing risk in dynamic sourcing environments.

Benefits:

• 20 days holiday, inclusive of bank and public holidays.
• 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.