Head of Sourcing Fruits and Vegetables EMEA

Our client is a leading global supplier of premium fruit and vegetable ingredients, drawing on more than 150 years of expertise across the agro-supply chain. Their collective knowledge and close collaboration with partner farmers, customers, and suppliers makes them the go-to ingredients supplier for leading food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

As part of a respected international group, they operate modern processing facilities across Europe and are embarking on an ambitious growth journey to double their business within the next five years.

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Sourcing to complete and lead their international sourcing team. This pivotal role combines strategic leadership with operational excellence, overseeing sourcing operations across the EMEA region.

In this position, you will lead a team of seven full-time professionals scattered across Poland, Spain, and the Benelux region, driving sourcing strategies that support ambitious growth targets. Your strategic vision and hands-on approach will be essential in achieving the goal of doubling the business within five years.

This role requires a proactive, energetic team builder who consistently makes decisions based on the global picture and concrete facts while maintaining a strong focus on operational execution.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies across the EMEA region aligned with aggressive growth ambitions
• Translate strategic plans into seamless, everyday operational excellence
• Contribute to an evolving culture of innovation and relentless pursuit of growth targets in a competitive international setting

Team Management

• Lead and motivate a diverse team of 10 FTE professionals across multiple locations
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance environment in a geographically dispersed setting
• Develop team members' capabilities and drive professional growth

Operational Excellence

• Serve as a strong negotiator and fact-based decision maker
• Be ready to take bold steps and make tough decisions when necessary
• Ensure continuous supply of premium processed fruit and vegetable ingredients to valued customers
• Navigate seasonality and supply chain complexities within the fresh produce sector

Essential Requirements

• Master's degree in a related field (Supply Chain, Business, Agriculture, Food Science)
• Minimum 5 years of industry-specific experience with deep understanding of the fruit and vegetable business
• Proven track record of leading teams in diverse, multi-location environments
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen
• Deep understanding of seasonality and supply chains within the fresh produce sector

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with ability to dive into detailed operational challenges
• Passionate about driving and scaling business efforts with a clear growth mindset
• Excellent communication and leadership skills across cultures and languages
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, international environment
• Results-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fruit and vegetables and/or food ingredients, processing, or related agro-industrial sectors
• Knowledge of EMEA agricultural markets and seasonal patterns
• Proven success in high-growth business environments
• Multilingual capabilities (English essential, additional European languages advantageous)

Compensation & Benefits

• Attractive salary package with additional benefits
• Performance-based incentives aligned with growth targets
• Comprehensive benefits package

Work Environment

• Flexibility to work in a hybrid model for optimal work-life balance
• Modern office facilities and inspiring work environment
• International setting with extensive growth opportunities
• Collaborative culture where teamwork and positive atmosphere are key

Professional Development

• Opportunity to shape strategy in a rapidly growing organization
• Exposure to cutting-edge practices in the global food ingredients industry
• Leadership role with significant impact and visibility
• Access to international networks and industry expertise

Ready to Lead Our Growth?

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned sourcing professional to take on a leadership role in an established, growing company with ambitious plans. You'll be joining at an exciting time of expansion and will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the business.

If you're passionate about the food ingredients industry, have a proven track record in sourcing leadership, and are excited by the challenge of doubling a business, we'd love to hear from you.

Our client is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

To Apply: Please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation for this role. Only candidates with specific fruit and vegetable industry experience will be considered for this position.