Procurement Buyer

Procurement Buyer – Fresh Produce

· Job Title: Procurement Buyer – Fresh Produce

· Department: Procurement

· Reports to: Procurement Manager / Head of Procurement

Competitive Salary - dependant on experience

Hours of work

· Monday to Friday - 06:30 until 15:30

· Weekends – one in three

Job Overview

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Procurement Buyer – Fresh Produce to manage the sourcing and purchasing of fresh fruits and vegetables for our foodservice and wholesale operations. This role is vital to ensuring the availability of high-quality, competitively priced produce that meets customer expectations. The successful candidate will build strong relationships with growers and suppliers, negotiate pricing and contracts, and coordinate logistics to ensure timely and efficient delivery.

The Procurement Buyer must stay up to date with market trends, seasonal availability, and customer preferences to make informed, cost-effective purchasing decisions. This position plays a key role in balancing supply and demand while ensuring consistent quality and food safety compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers and growers
• Monitor market trends, seasonal availability, and price fluctuations
• Review and evaluate the quality and pricing of incoming produce
• Manage inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstocking
• Coordinate closely with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure timely deliveries
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Forecast demand using historical data, sales trends, and market insights
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards
• Collaborate with the Sales Team to understand customer needs and plan accordingly
• Conduct regular supplier audits and evaluations
• Identify and assess new suppliers and product opportunities
• Prepare, manage, and track procurement budgets

· Coordinate seasonal and promotional produce campaigns

• Resolve any issues related to quality, delivery delays, or supplier performance
• Stay current with industry developments, best practices, and innovations

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience in produce buying, procurement, or a similar role
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Deep understanding of market trends and seasonal produce cycles
• Proficiency in inventory management software and Microsoft Office Suite
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Experience with procurement budgeting and cost control
• Familiarity with food safety standards and compliance requirements
• Willingness to travel for supplier visits and trade shows
• A well-established network of contacts in the produce industry
• Strong understanding of supply chain and logistics coordination

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate

• Pershore WR10 2JJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education

• GCSE or equivalent (required)

Experience

• Fresh produce : 1 year (required)
• Procurement: 1 year (required)

Work authorisation

• United Kingdom (required)

Location

• Pershore WR10 2JJ (required)

Work Location: In person