Procurement Manager Fresh Produce

Henderson Brown Recruitment; Baston; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fresh produce provider in the UK is seeking a Procurement Manager to shape and deliver their sourcing strategy. In this high-impact role, you will enhance supplier partnerships while driving commercial performance and sustainability. Ideal candidates will possess proven experience in fresh produce or horticulture, strong negotiation skills, and an analytical mindset. This position is based in North Cambridgeshire with the opportunity for 1-2 days of work from home.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Buyer or in a similar role within procurement.
• Deep understanding of fresh produce supply chains and sustainability standards.
• Willingness to travel in the UK and overseas.

Responsibilities

• Own supplier strategy and negotiations end-to-end.
• Build long-term supplier partnerships aligned to commercial growth.
• Lead tenders and contract renewals with clear performance measures.
• Manage seasonality, yields, and input costs effectively.
• Oversee supplier performance through structured scorecards.
• Deliver timely, data-driven reporting for commercial decisions.

Skills

Proven experience in fresh produce or horticulture

Strong commercial and negotiation capability

Analytical mindset

Confident communication skills

Job description

Overview

Ready to take full ownership of fresh produce sourcing and shape what ends up on plates across the UK?

Procurement Manager

Location: North Cambridgeshire (1-2 days WFH)

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 base salary plus benefits

About the Role

We're supporting a leading fresh produce provider to recruit a Procurement Manager into their Group Procurement function.

This is a high-impact role where you'll shape and deliver fresh produce sourcing strategy across multiple sites. Working closely with growers and suppliers in the UK and overseas, you'll drive commercial performance while championing sustainability, quality, and supply resilience.

It's an opportunity for an experienced fresh produce buyer who enjoys autonomy, commercial ownership, and operating at the heart of a fast-paced, growing manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own supplier strategy and negotiations end-to-end, from grower/supplier through to factory intake.
• Build long-term supplier partnerships aligned to commercial growth, technical standards, and sustainability goals.
• Lead tenders and contract renewals with clear performance measures and commercial outcomes.
• Anticipate market movements, managing seasonality, yields, and input costs.
• Oversee supplier performance through structured scorecards and insight-led reviews.
• Champion supplier accreditation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deliver timely, data-driven reporting to support commercial decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with technical, operations, and commercial teams.

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience in fresh produce or horticulture
• Senior Buyer, Buying Manager, Procurement Manager experience
• Strong commercial and negotiation capability
• Deep understanding of fresh produce supply chains, seasonality, and sustainability standards.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into both strategy and day-to-day buying decisions.
• Confident communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to travel in the UK and overseas as required.

Why Apply?

You'll join a values-led, growing business with strong roots, modern manufacturing capability, and a genuine commitment to its people. This role offers real influence, strategic ownership, and the chance to shape procurement at group level.

Interested?

If you're a commercially driven fresh produce buyer looking for a role with genuine responsibility and impact, apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion