Head of Procurement & Supply Planning

Position: Head of Procurement & Supply Planning
Location: Saint Neots

Head of Procurement & Supply Planning

Location:

East of England (3 days per week onsite) + regular international travel
Salary: £90,000-£110,000 + attractive bonus + car allowance + healthcare
Type:
Full-time, permanent

Ready to lead integrated procurement and planning at scale within a complex international fresh produce supply chain?

About the Role
We're supporting a market-leading fresh produce business to appoint a Head of Procurement & Supply Planning into a senior SLT position.

This is not a transactional buying role. It is integrated supply leadership - connecting retail demand, international production, grower partnerships and UK operations into a disciplined, margin-protecting, forward-looking supply system.

You'll lead end-to-end sourcing and a integrated planning process, embedding governance, strengthening resilience, and protecting long-term competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Sourcing Strategy

Own and deliver a 3-year sourcing roadmap

Strengthen strategic grower partnerships across multiple international regions

Lead cost modelling across freight, labour, packaging and yield drivers

Mitigate geopolitical, freight, climate and supply risk

Deliver procurement savings and margin optimisation

Integrated Planning & S&OP Leadership

Lead the demand and supply planning cycle

Chair Supply Review and contribute to Executive S&OP

Improve forecast accuracy, availability and waste control

Embed planning discipline and forward risk visibility

Financial & Governance Accountability

Own margin performance across the category

Improve transparency of full cost build-up by SKU

Support pricing and inflation mitigation strategy

Embed structured procurement governance and supplier frameworks

Leadership

Lead and develop a team

Drive accountability through data and structured process

Build trusted relationships across international sourcing regions and UK operations

Restructure and elevate the procurement & planning function

What You'll Bring

8-12+ years' senior experience within fresh produce or similair industry procurement & supply leadership

Proven ownership of integrated S&OP processes

Strong margin accountability and financial acumen

Experience managing complex international supply chains

Strategic thinker with operational credibility

Track record of embedding structure, governance and performance discipline

Nice to Have

Exposure to vertically integrated or farm-direct models

Experience with sea freight optimisation

Spanish language skills

Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to shape procurement and planning at a strategic level within a high-performing international fresh produce business.

You'll sit on the SLT, influence long-term supply resilience, and lead transformation at a pivotal moment in the organisation's journey.

If you're a commercially sharp, internationally experienced leader ready to operate at SLT level - apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion