Procurement Manager - Direct

Riverford Organic Farmers; Buckfastleigh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organic food supplier based in Buckfastleigh seeks a Procurement Manager to lead their buying team and manage supplier relationships. The role involves developing procurement strategies aligned with growth and sustainability objectives while overseeing budgetary responsibilities. Candidates should have strong negotiation skills and proven leadership experience, particularly in the fresh produce or FMCG sectors. The position offers 33 days of holiday, a generous pension scheme, and discounts on organic meals.

Benefits

33 days holiday pro rata

Generous company pension scheme

Annual profit share

Discounted organic meals

Free parking

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in procurement, ideally within fresh produce, FMCG, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success managing procurement budgets and delivering cost savings.
• Experience conducting structured procurement and tender processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the buying team and manage supplier relationships.
• Oversee strategic sourcing for fresh produce, chilled and ambient goods.
• Develop procurement strategies aligned with company objectives.

Skills

Leadership experience in procurement

Negotiation skills

Market analysis proficiency

Stakeholder engagement

Education

CIPS Level 3 qualified (or equivalent)

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Riverford delivers fresh, seasonal, organic food to thousands of customers weekly across the UK. Our procurement team plays a vital role in maintaining the high standards we are known for, sourcing ethically, sustainably, and commercially. We work over the long term with suppliers, creating partnerships built on mutual trust and shared benefits. This newly created Procurement Manager position within the wider Supply Chain team is key to our future growth, responsible for leading the buying team, managing supplier relationships, overseeing strategic sourcing (including fresh produce, chilled and ambient goods, and ingredients), and developing procurement strategies aligned with Riverford\'s strategic growth and sustainability objectives.

This role includes budgetary responsibilities, line management of a team of Category Buyers, and acting as the custodian of Riverford\'s direct procurement processes. It requires strategic insight, excellent negotiation skills, proficiency in market analysis, and a proactive, systematic approach to risk management. The role is based predominantly on-site at Wash Farm in Devon (minimum four days per week) with regular travel to visit growers and suppliers across the UK and Europe.

Responsibilities

• Lead the buying team and manage supplier relationships.
• Oversee strategic sourcing for fresh produce, chilled and ambient goods, and ingredients.
• Develop procurement strategies with the wider Procurement and Supply Chain teams, aligned with Riverford\'s growth and sustainability objectives.
• Manage budgetary responsibilities for procurement activities.
• Line manage a team of Category Buyers and act as custodian of Riverford\'s direct procurement processes.
• Conduct market analysis, identify risks, and drive improvements and cost reductions.
• Engage stakeholders across the business to ensure effective procurement outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in procurement, ideally within fresh produce, FMCG, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success in managing procurement budgets and delivering significant cost savings.
• Proven track record in building, developing, and leading a procurement team, with a clear leadership approach and development strategy.
• Strong negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and ability to manage and develop supplier relationships.
• Experience conducting structured procurement and tender processes.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel for strategic analysis and forecasting.
• Skilled in identifying market risks, performing spend analysis, and driving improvements and cost reductions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills across all business levels.
• CIPS Level 3 qualified (or equivalent).

Benefits

• 33 days holiday pro rata (including bank holidays).
• Generous company pension scheme and annual profit share (10% of profits shared among co-owners).
• Heavily discounted organic breakfasts and lunches, free organic fruit and veg, and free parking.

Location & Details

Location: Based at Wash Barn, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JU. Candidates will be expected to work in the office 4 days a week.

Contract: 40 hours a week – Monday to Friday. Salary: approximately £50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience.

Application Process

We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the advert early, so apply soon.