Procurement Manager – Fresh Produce£45,000 + County Armagh
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a leading food production business to recruit a Procurement Manager who will take ownership procurement across the organisation. This is a strategically important appointment for a commercially minded procurement professional with experience in fresh produce (vegetables, fruit, potatoes).
Reporting into senior leadership, you will lead procurement strategy, manage key supplier relationships, oversee purchasing activities, and provide market intelligence to support informed business decisions.
The Opportunity
- Responsible for developing and delivering procurement strategies that ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and quality standards across the business.
- Liaise with growers, suppliers, operations, and commercial teams to align procurement activity with production requirements while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and value creation.
- Build, manage, and develop strong relationships with growers, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing structures, and supply contracts to deliver best value and security of supply.
- Develop forecasting models, seasonal purchasing plans, and long-term procurement strategies.
- Monitor market conditions, crop performance, pricing trends, and supply risks, providing regular reporting and commercial insight.
- Manage potato settlements, cold storage agreements, and storage utilisation to maximise efficiency and profitability.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes and supplier performance.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement, intake, stores, and back-grading teams.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, quality, regulatory, and health & safety standards.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a Procurement Manager or senior procurement position with fresh produce experience.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering successful procurement strategies and supplier negotiations.
- Experience managing procurement budgets and making data-driven purchasing decisions.
- Excellent knowledge of supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and procurement best practice.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and identify commercial opportunities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable operating within a fast-paced production or agricultural environment.
- Experience working directly with growers, agricultural suppliers, or primary producers would be highly advantageous.
What’s On Offer
- Competitive salary package with performance-related bonus.
- 33 days annual leave.
- Private medical insurance.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Employee well-being initiatives and support programmes.
- The opportunity to play a key role within a growing and ambitious business operating in a critical supply chain function.
Interested?
To be considered for this position, APPLY to the link provided and we will be in touch if you’re meeting the criteria.
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