About the Company

This is a well-established Importer, integrated grower and distributer to UK Retail with Global representation, particular emphasis on their main growing area; South Africa. Their main Sites in the UK are in Shropshire (Prep Fruit) and Lincolnshire. There are other 3pl sites used. They have a comprehensive supply base already in place with advanced strategic procurement plans for the next five years.

Role responsibilities

This a new position created as a response to continued growth in all the categories.

The main purpose for the job is to manage the grape and citrus category for the company. This will involve maintaining all Supplier relations on a Global level, excluding South Africa. There will be additional responsibilities on purchasing Melon, Pineapple and Apples for the onsite prepared fruit section.

*To manage and develop the Grape and Citrus categories alongside key suppliers from India, Egypt, Greece, Morocco and Turkey. Trading channels with these countries have already been established.

*’Own the category’ from concept to customer delivery.

*Manage returns and profitability of each source.

*Engage the most cost-effective methods for delivery of the products.

*Manage procurement for the company prepared fruit department (Melon, Pineapple & Apple).

* Monitor stocks, production and specifications for prepared fruit.

*During the season offer support with South African Grape and Citrus procurement.

* Be responsible for your areas Budget (weekly), Supplier assessment (annually).

*Manage all quality control issues, including supplier claims and ongoing quality.

*Attention to the detail and accuracy of supply and demand planning.

*Lead and influence others on a Customer First culture.

*Champion and communicate all company initiatives with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Competencies

· Experience in global procurement with at least one product group we currently consider as our core product line

· Has a proven track record of working at senior level and is able to demonstrate experience and knowledge

· Experience of working in a collaborative and co-operative environment, making implementation of basic procedures easier for procurement plan, management information, budgeting, team meetings etc.

· Experience within the retail environment in Western Europe and using this knowledge and experience to create growth with the Eastern Europe and using this knowledge and experience to create growth with the Eastern European retail environment. Desireable

· Versatile and proactive leadership style with the ability to engage and motivate teams.

· Ability to recognise and respond to changing business needs

· Excellent financial awareness and commercial acumen

· Ability to work. under pressure and to tight deadlines.

· Committed to continuous development of teams.

· A team contributor across the company beyond own area boundaries

· Provides a clear vision, adds value where involved, strong problem evaluation and solution.

· Creates opportunities, overcome obstacles and thinks outside of the box

· Adaptability to cope with the needs of a rapidly growing environment across multiple countries

· Analytical thinker capable of dealing with complexity and handling multiple tasks
This Role requires a high degree of personal motivation and resilience

The Offer

An excellent salary + Bonus + WFH options + Large Co Benefits

To apply

Send your CV directly to Frank on (email address removed) or let’s have a chat on +44(0) (phone number removed)