Purchasing Manager - Fresh Produce

We are currently looking for a Purchasing Manager with experience in Fresh Produce, Food or Ingredients to join a global business out of their German office. The role will support on the delivery of agreed global and local strategies, projects and deals on produce which are in line with the strategic purchasing goals.

You will be accountable for the management of items within a Produce category, achieving supply chain optimization, quality improvements, commodity risk management, contract negotiation and communication, applying category management tools to develop sourcing strategies as well as identifying opportunities to reduce total cost.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Selection and development of produce suppliers, growers and processors in conjunction with the Quality Management team
• Negotiating best route to market for supply continuity and least cost
• Working with Quality Management Team to ensure complaints are resolved quickly and a quality improvement plan is in place
• Negotiate and execute produce deals in line with the agreed guidelines and category management principles
• Sourcing NPD items and working closely with the Product Management team to make sure they are delivered on time, on budget and to the required technical standards
• Reducing total cost and/or generating sustained value in a spend category while maintaining or improving quality and service levels
• Working as part of a cross-functional team to ensure correct prioritisation of projects to ensure overall department and company objectives are met
• Managing long-term supplier improvement and relationship management, through the use of scorecards and other appropriate tools
• Conducting regular visits to suppliers, growers and processors to become an expert in the product area and ensure delivery of continuous improvement
• Ensuring product contingency is in place, for assured supply at all times
• Building relationships and strengthening communication with internal and external stakeholders

Skills and Experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Relevant purchasing qualifications
• Experience working in a food or beverage purchasing role, preferably experience in purchasing fresh produce
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience of international and cross-cultural working
• Strong analytical, commercial and negotiation skills
• Experience working in a service-oriented organization with demanding customers
• Ability to go out into the market, work to high standards, and adhere to agreed priorities, procedures and processes
• Fluent German. Excellent English language skills