Junior Procurement Manager

ZipRecruiter; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading business in the Fresh Produce sector is seeking a Junior Procurement Manager to join their Commercial Procurement Team. This role offers exposure to supplier management and supply chain innovation, ideal for candidates with initial experience in procurement. The position emphasizes analytical skills, relationship-building, and a passion for sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience in Fresh Produce preferred, with exposure to Fruit categories.
• Confident with numbers and commercially minded.
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Source and manage supplier programmes to meet business objectives.
• Maintain accurate pricing models within the ERP system.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including cost and margin.

Skills

Analytical

Communication

Relationship-building

Organisational

Proactive

Tools

ERP tools

Job description

Job Description

Are you ready to take the next step in your commercial career with a leading business built on integrity, innovation, and global partnerships? We are looking for a Junior Procurement Manager to join our dynamic and experienced Commercial Procurement Team. This hands-on role offers exposure across multiple product categories and will support the management of supplier relationships, commercial performance, and supply chain innovation. You will play a key role in delivering value across the procurement function, from cost control and quality assurance to data accuracy and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Source and manage supplier programmes to meet customer and business objectives
2. Maintain accurate pricing models and data within the MRP/ERP system
3. Build strong relationships with suppliers to drive innovation and service
4. Monitor and improve KPIs, including cost, margin, and waste
5. Ensure daily supply meets expectations on quality, availability, and compliance
6. Manage supplier claims and keep financial tracking updated
7. Support customer interactions with strong category knowledge and procurement insights
8. Identify and implement supply chain improvements for quality and efficiency

Key Requirements

• Analytical, commercially minded, and confident with numbers
• Experience in Fresh Produce, with exposure to Fruit categories beneficial
• Knowledge of procurement systems or ERP tools (Prophet is a plus)
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Organised and proactive, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• A passion for supply chain, sustainability, and product innovation

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected, values-led business that champions quality.

It is ideal for someone who has gained initial experience in a procurement or commercial role and is now ready to step up and thrive in a collaborative, high-performing environment within a leading name in the Fresh Produce sector.

This is a UK-based position. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Evidence of this right will be requested prior to interview, if applicable.