Purchasing Manager - Fresh Produce

Vickerstock; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company based in Northern Ireland is seeking a Purchasing Manager to oversee fresh produce planning and supplier negotiation. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of experience within FMCG and a strong understanding of food safety compliance. This is a full-time permanent role offering an opportunity to contribute to strategic projects and foster operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 2 years' experience in a PM or Senior Procurement position within Food/FMCG.
• Experience in fresh produce planning.
• Ability to negotiate with suppliers effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan fresh produce from growing to harvest.
• Monitor supplier performance and negotiate pricing.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing methodologies to improve processes.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and food safety.

Skills

Supplier negotiation and sourcing experience

Fresh produce experience

Understanding of lean principles

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a food manufacturingbusiness on the appointment of a Purchasing Manager on a full-time permamemt basis. Our client is a major player in the local food industry and service some of the largest food retailers across the GB and Ireland.

As the Purchasing Manager, you will have responsibility for both direct and indirect expenditure, with a core focus on fresh produce planning for the seasonal nature of food manufacturing. The successful applicant will have previous experience in a food manufacturing/food service environment.

In your new role:

• Plan fresh produce from growing through to harvest, staying informed with forecasting and production updates.
• Monitor supplier performance, negotiate optimal pricing, and strategically source new suppliers where required.
• Liaise daily with the production department to report stock levels and highlight any supply chain disruptions.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing methodologies to drive process improvements and operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with the Technical Department to ensure alignment on quality standards, food safety compliance, and product development goals.
• Identify efficiency opportunities, implementing innovations and best practices to enhance operations.
• Prepare, submit, and manage tenders, conducting effective contract negotiations with suppliers.
• Uphold food safety and product integrity, ensuring all goods meet required standards.
• Conduct and support audits of suppliers and service providers, ensuring compliance with food safety, ethical sourcing, and legal obligations.
• Contribute to strategic projects, supporting business planning and risk mitigation in line with company growth objectives.
• Foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, and a "do the right thing" mindset across all interactions.
• Ensure the site remains audit-ready at all times through consistent food safety compliance.

What you will need to succeed:

• 2 years' in a PM or Senior Procurement position within Food/FMCG
• Fresh produce experience
• Supplier negotiation and sourcing experience
• Understanding of "lean" principles (advantageous)

For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today!