Purchasing Manager, Produce (food)

Our client is an international Restaurant group with a global footprint.  With a renowned brand, they have an agile and busy company culture but put a huge emphasis on work/life balance.  They have a requirement for a Purchasing Manager in Fresh Produce, to join them as an interim for 3 to 6 months.

This is a hands-on delivery and, depending on your level of experience, people leadership assignment.  The category is focused on fresh food produce including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, etc., working with suppliers across Europe. 

What you will be doing:
• Ensuring category management strategies are developed and delivered for all sub-categories of Food Produce
• Being hands-on in developing and delivering category strategies yourself, including negotiation, managing suppliers, strategic sourcing, managing risk to ensure continuous supply, etc.
• Working closely with key stakeholders across Europe, up to Board level, including Technical, Quality, Supply Chain and Finance
• Bringing commercial skillset to deliver profit through more than just price negotiation

Skills and experience required:
• Solid experience in purchasing food (preferably fresh produce) or ingredients gained in a complex and international business
• Experience of working in a service-oriented organisation with demanding customers
• Content to be a people mentor AND a hands-on purchasing professional
• Able to bring commercial rigour to deliver profit
• Excellent communication and influencing skills and not afraid to challenge and push back, when required