Mission
Our mission is to create new products, to develop partnerships with new and existing customers and suppliers to guarantee the long-term sustainability of Avondale Foods as an organisation.
Job Position:
Procurement Manager
Department:
Produce Purchasing
Reports to:
Senior Purchasing Manager
Hours:
40 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Scope of Role
Avondale Foods is a leading food manufacturing company of Fresh and Chilled products supplying leading retail businesses including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Dunnes, Morrisons, Aldi & Lidl throughout the UK & Ireland.
As part of our succession planning strategy, the creation of this role represents a unique opportunity for the successful applicant to to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to operate in a dynamic market, procuring millions of pounds worth of produce every year. Our highly skilled and experienced Senior Purchasing Manager will train and mentor the incoming Procurement Manager to eventually take over the fresh produce procurement function for Avondale Foods.
Our growth and expansion plans will ensure that the Procurement Manager will play a key role in the success of production trials and meeting launch deadlines, directly influencing overall production workflow. They will contribute to company profitability by reducing material costs and supporting business growth. From a technical perspective, the role ensures due diligence on site, maintaining integrity and upholding the highest standards of food safety. This role is fully on-site at our premises in Craigavon.
Key Responsibilities
Responsible for managing the produce supply base, ensuring availability while balancing seasonal fluctuations, cost control and budget adherence. Requires strong communication, foresight, and problem-solving skills to maintain supply resilience - avoiding both shortages and over-ordering.
* Ensure resilience planning is in place and maintained on site across all areas
* Plan fresh produce in line with growing through to harvesting, staying up to date with forecasting and updates.
* Lead site services procurement including laundry, pest control, vending, gas, electricity, chemicals, forklifts, and drinking water.
* Ensure compliance with company protocol and policies.
* Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing methodologies to drive process improvements and operational excellence.
* Monitor supply performance and negotiate the best price, strategically sourcing new suppliers if necessary.
* Identify efficiency opportunities and drive improvements through innovation and best practices.
* Liaise daily with production department, report stock levels and any disruptions to supply chain.
* Work closely with the Technical Department to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships, ensuring alignment on quality standards, food safety compliance, and product development objectives
* Proven experience in preparing, submitting, and managing tenders, as well as conducting successful contract negotiations with suppliers.
* Uphold food safety and integrity standards and ensure products meet requirements.
* Conduct and support audits of suppliers and service providers to ensure compliance with food safety, ethical sourcing and legal requirements.
* Involvement in strategic projects, contributing to business planning and risk mitigation in line with company growth.
* Contribute to the development of a culture of Integrity, collaboration 'do the right thing' approach in all interactions.
* Ensure Food Safety compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements to remain audit-ready at all times.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
2-3 years' experience in a similar role, ideally dealing with fresh produce
Educated to degree level in a related field
Experience in allocating resources and delivering results.
Experience supporting budget planning processes
Strong IT literacy with proven experience using ERP systems to manage and analyse operational data.
Good negotiation skills and proven ability to build rapport with both internal and external stakeholders effectively
Strong attention to detail with excellent organisational skills
Proven ability to remain composed and professional under pressure, with excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
Valid Passport and eligibility to travel nationally and internationally
Desirable Criteria
Specific supply chain related qualification
Evident experience in project management and Lean Manufacturing
Familiarity with sustainability and ethical sourcing standards
Experience contributing to strategic procurement initiatives
Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/MRP systems