Commercial Procurement Manager - Berries

Location: West Midlands

Due to significant growth ambitions within our client’s berry category, we are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager – Procurement (Berries) to lead and develop a high-performing commercial and procurement function.

This is a senior appointment offering an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a growing berry category, manage a global supplier portfolio and drive commercial performance across a predominantly retail customer base spanning Europe, the UK and Ireland.

With an anticipated first-year cost of goods (COG) of €50–€60 million, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable growth, strengthening supplier partnerships and ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality berries to meet customer demand.
We are looking for a commercially astute and strategically minded individual with extensive experience in the global berry supply chain, strong procurement expertise and a proven track record of managing significant retail-focused sourcing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

Lead and manage the berry commercial and procurement team, setting clear objectives and driving a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Develop and execute the commercial strategy for the berry category in line with the wider business growth plan.

Take ownership of category performance, including cost of goods, margins, profitability and commercial risk.

Build strong relationships with key retail customers across the UK, Ireland and Europe, ensuring their requirements are consistently met.

Identify new commercial opportunities, develop strategic partnerships and support the continued expansion of the berry category.

Procurement and Supplier Management

Manage and develop a global portfolio of berry suppliers, ensuring competitive sourcing, product quality, availability and reliability of supply.

Lead supplier negotiations, commercial agreements and procurement planning to deliver optimal value and sustainable commercial returns.

Establish and maintain long-term strategic relationships with growers, producers, exporters and other supply-chain partners.

Monitor global berry markets, seasonal availability, pricing trends, crop forecasts and emerging supply risks.

Develop effective sourcing strategies to optimise supply across different growing regions and seasons.

Ensure suppliers meet agreed standards for quality, food safety, ethical sourcing, traceability and sustainability.

Retail Customer and Stakeholder Management

Work closely with retail customers to understand their commercial objectives, product specifications, promotional plans and seasonal requirements.

Collaborate with internal teams across sales, technical, quality assurance, supply chain, logistics and operations to deliver an integrated category strategy.

Lead commercial discussions and resolve complex supplier or customer issues promptly and effectively.

Ensure the business maintains high service levels while balancing customer expectations, supplier capability and commercial profitability.

Financial and Operational Performance

Take responsibility for a substantial category cost base, with an anticipated first-year COG of €50–€60 million.

Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and procurement plans, ensuring accurate financial reporting and effective cost control.

Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency, reduce waste, manage price volatility and enhance margins.

Monitor key performance indicators, including procurement savings, gross margin, supplier performance, service levels and product availability.

Proactively manage commercial risks associated with seasonality, weather events, crop yields, currency fluctuations and global supply-chain disruption

Candidate Requirements

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