Buying Manager Fresh Produce

Senior Recruitment: Buying Manager – Fresh Produce

Exclusive Opportunity via Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

• Salary: £77,000 - £88,000 (Includes 10% London Weighting)

• Location: Head Office – Surbiton, London (KT5 9NU)

• Work Model: Hybrid (3+ days in-office, up to 2 days remote)

• Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

• Sector: Retail Purchasing / Commercial Buying

The Opportunity

Are you a commercially sharp, fast-thinking procurement specialist with a passion for food retail?

At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we are thrilled to partner with one of the UK’s fastest-growing, award-winning supermarket giants to find an experienced Fresh Produce Buying Manager.

In this high-profile role, you won't just manage a portfolio; you will be the architect of a market-leading fresh produce selection that feeds millions of customers across a network of over 1,000 stores. From field-to-fork supply chain management to high-stakes global contract negotiations, you will drive value and quality in a category where "freshness" is a daily deadline.

What You’ll Do

As the lead decision-maker for your categories, you will take total accountability for the journey of every item of fruit and vegetable from the farm gate to the shelf edge.

• Global Procurement: Confidently manage multi-million-pound investments across global commodity and fresh produce markets.

• Strategic Supply Chain Management: Develop solutions for complex hurdles, from harvest fluctuations and weather anomalies to complex logistics.

• Quality & Innovation: Lead rigorous quality inspections and sensory assessments. Oversee the critical path from product concept (seasonal varieties, sustainable options) to depot arrival.

• Supplier Relations & Negotiation: Navigate complex negotiations with global growers and suppliers, building a world-class vendor network.

• Stakeholder Influence: Present confidently to Buying Directors and Board Directors, standing firmly behind your commercial ideas.

What You’ll Need

To thrive in this fast-paced, high-volume environment, you should bring:

• Proven Experience: A strong background as a Fresh Produce Buyer or a similar commercial buying role within food retail.

• Market Expertise: Deep understanding of how yield and pricing are affected by seasonality, weather, and shifting commodity costs.

• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with the technicalities of fresh produce—varietal differences, growing conditions, post-harvest handling, and shelf life.

• Mindset: A pragmatic, logical, and exceptionally quick-thinking approach. You exude presence and possess strong analytical skills to master the "science of fresh produce."

• Logistics: A full UK driving licence, and the ability to commute (or relocate) to the Tolworth/Surbiton Head Office.

• Bonus: German language skills are desirable, but not essential.

What’s in It for You?

Our client believes in rewarding hard work with an exceptional environment and premium perks:

• Competitive Pay: £77,000 - £88,000 per annum.

• Work-Life Balance: 35 days of holiday (pro rata) and a flexible hybrid working model.

• State-of-the-Art Office: Access to an on-site gym, discounted restaurant, and modern collaborative spaces.

• Financial Perks: A 10% in-store discount and a secure pension scheme.

• Family Support: Enhanced family leave policies.