Head of Procurement & Supply Planning
Location: East of England (3 days per week onsite) + regular international travel
Salary: 90,000- 110,000 + attractive bonus + car allowance + healthcare
Type: Full-time, permanent
Ready to lead integrated procurement and planning at scale within a complex international fresh produce supply chain?
About the Role
We’re supporting a market‑leading fresh produce business to appoint a Head of Procurement & Supply Planning into a senior SLT position.
This is not a transactional buying role. It is integrated supply leadership – connecting retail demand, international production, grower partnerships and UK operations into a disciplined, margin‑protecting, forward‑looking supply system.
You’ll lead end‑to‑end sourcing and a integrated planning process, embedding governance, strengthening resilience, and protecting long‑term competitive advantage.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Sourcing Strategy
* Own and deliver a 3-year sourcing roadmap
* Strengthen strategic grower partnerships across multiple international regions
* Lead cost modelling across freight, labour, packaging and yield drivers
* Mitigate geopolitical, freight, climate and supply risk
* Deliver procurement savings and margin optimisation
Integrated Planning & S&OP Leadership
* Lead the demand and supply planning cycle
* Chair Supply Review and contribute to Executive S&OP
* Improve forecast accuracy, availability and waste control
* Embed planning discipline and forward risk visibility
Financial & Governance Accountability
* Own margin performance across the category
* Improve transparency of full cost build‑up by SKU
* Support pricing and inflation mitigation strategy
* Embed structured procurement governance and supplier frameworks
Leadership
* Lead and develop a team
* Drive accountability through data and structured process
* Build trusted relationships across international sourcing regions and UK operations
* Restructure and elevate the procurement & planning function
What You’ll Bring
* 8–12+ years' senior experience within fresh produce or similar industry procurement & supply leadership
* Proven ownership of integrated S&OP processes
* Strong margin accountability and financial acumen
* Experience managing complex international supply chains
* Strategic thinker with operational credibility
* Track record of embedding structure, governance and performance discipline
Nice to Have
* Exposure to vertically integrated or farm‑direct models
* Experience with sea freight optimisation
* Spanish language skills
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to shape procurement and planning at a strategic level within a high‑performing international fresh produce business.
You’ll sit on the SLT, influence long‑term supply resilience, and lead transformation at a pivotal moment in the organisation’s journey.
If you’re a commercially sharp, internationally experienced leader ready to operate at SLT level – apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
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