Procurement Manager

Keelings; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Keelings in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, is seeking a Procurement Manager to lead supplier relationships and drive procurement strategy for product categories. You will work closely with growers, negotiate terms, and ensure continuity of supply across the UK and internationally.

The role requires strong negotiation, communication, and leadership skills, with a data-driven approach to forecasting and category performance.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in FMCG fresh produce procurement.
• Proven ability to negotiate terms and manage supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical, data-driven mindset and forecasting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to lead category teams and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Develop existing and new relationships with growers and suppliers across the UK and internationally.
• Risk management and supplier continuity to ensure year-round supply.
• Negotiate best terms and pricing with suppliers and growers.
• Determine packing solutions to deliver cost, margin and customer satisfaction.
• Manage procurement budget and accurate forecasting for weekly reviews.
• Balance stock, waste, and claims to drive profitability and service.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Category and Operations teams for packaging plans.
• Work with Technical Manager to meet customer specs and product requirements.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Job description

Procurement Manager Keelings Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, GB

Purpose of the Role:

Accountable for the relationship management and development of procurement for product groups/categories through excellent relationships with the grower/supplier. Support manager with overall sourcing strategy to deliver business growth.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Developing existing and new relationships with growers and suppliers across the UK and internationally.
• Responsible for risk management and mitigation to ensure supply from growers and suppliers for customers throughout the year.
• Responsible for negotiating the best terms and pricing with suppliers and growers.
• Determine the most effective packing solutions to deliver cost / margin and customer satisfaction.
• Accountable for ensuring all product procurement activity is within budget and accurate forecasting is maintained throughout the year and prepared for weekly reviews.
• Responsible for management and balancing stock control, stock levels, waste, giveaway and claims to deliver high performance profitability whilst delivering service.
• Working alongside the Commercial and Category teams assessing the marketplace for new opportunities and being aware of competitor activity.
• Responsible for working with the Operations teams (including the planners) to ensure we communicate the seasonal programme and support creation of the packing plans.
• Responsible for working in collaboration with the Technical Manager ensuring we work with suppliers and growers who can meet our customer specifications and product requirements.
• Create the conditions to continually optimise the motivation, engagement, development, and performance of the wider team.
• To actively promote health & safety standards, engage in implementing health and safety protocols, and contribute to a risk‑free working environment for all, playing a crucial role in mitigating workplace risks and promoting the well‑being of all team members.
• Live our One Keelings Values and facilitate an inclusive environment where all can excel.

Role Specification and Technical Competencies

• Previous experience in a similar role within the FMCG fresh produce environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, influencing and presentation skills.
• Results driven and commercially focused.
• Customer focus and excellent relationship management.
• Ability to manage detailed complex information and analyse effectively.
• Track record of leading and developing category team to deliver results.
• Data driven mindset and highly analytical.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills with strong values-based leadership.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Drive for Results
• Lead the Way
• Strive to Improve
• Be Responsible & Ensure Accountability
• Fair treatment of growers, suppliers and other partners of Keelings

Full-time