JOB TITLE: Procurement Manager
Location: Bearsted, Kent
Employment Type: Full-Time
PayRate : Depending on Experiecne
Sector: Fresh Produce | FMCG | Procurement | Supply Chain
About the Role :
We are working in partnership with a leading fresh produce business that supplies high-quality products to major UK retailers. Due to continued growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Procurement Manager to join their team at their Bearsted site. This role offers an excellent opportunity to manage the procurement of key salad categories (Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Aubergines), optimise supplier relationships, and drive procurement strategies that contribute to the company’s commercial objectives and supply chain excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Sourcing
• Manage the procurement of salad lines, ensuring alignment with demand forecasts and supplier capabilities.
• Design and execute procurement strategies that meet business KPIs on cost, quality, service, and sustainability.
• Monitor market trends, supply chain risks, and emerging opportunities to refine sourcing strategies.
Supplier & Relationship Management
• Lead negotiations with suppliers, establishing favourable terms while nurturing long term partnerships.
• Conduct supplier visits to assess capabilities, strengthen relationships, and develop innovative sourcing solutions.
• Develop new supplier relationships to enhance product quality, sustainability, and local sourcing initiatives.
Supply Chain & Operational Coordination
• Oversee purchase and sales order administration through ERP systems (Prophet experience preferred).
• Work closely with logistics and planning teams to ensure accurate load planning and efficient supply chain processes.
• Continuously assess and improve supply chain operations to enhance service levels and product integrity.
Commercial Reporting & Financial Management
• Prepare and deliver weekly pricing and costing models for internal stakeholders.
• Manage supplier claims, invoice reconciliations, and credit note processing with accuracy and efficiency.
• Produce and circulate weekly commercial reports summarising procurement performance and availability forecasts.
Cross-functional Collaboration
• Liaise with internal teams (Sales, Technical, Stock Control) to ensure seamless communication and product availability.
• Interface with customers to convey product knowledge, sourcing strategies, and service commitments.
• Participate in a weekend on-call rota to support sales and operational teams with procurement information.
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience & Skills:
• Proven experience in fresh produce procurement, ideally within salads or ambient produce.
• Strong commercial acumen with advanced negotiation skills. • Excellent numerical, analytical, and reporting capabilities.
• Effective communicator, confident in managing supplier and customer relationships. • High attention to detail with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Proficient in ERP systems; Prophet ERP experience is an advantage.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A team player with a professional and collaborative approach.
Opportunities & Benefits
• Join a market-leading business with strong retailer partnerships. • Career development within a fast-growing, innovative environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture that values individual contributions