Agri Procurement Manager

Job Title: Agri-Procurement Manager (Produce)

Location: Lurgan, Northern Ireland

Reporting to: Senior Purchasing Manager

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About the Role

Our client is a leading food manufacturer supplying fresh and chilled products to major retailers across the UK and Ireland. They are seeking an experienced Agri-Procurement Manager to take ownership of the fresh produce supply chain, ensuring continuity of supply, cost control and quality while developing strong supplier partnerships.

This is a commercially focused role requiring strong agronomy, procurement and supply chain expertise, working closely with production, technical and commercial teams to support business growth and product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the fresh produce supply base, ensuring continuity of supply while balancing seasonal availability and cost.


• Forecast produce requirements from growing through to harvest.


• Develop resilience plans to minimise supply chain risk.


• Source and negotiate with suppliers to secure best value and quality.


• Manage procurement of site services including utilities, pest control, chemicals, laundry, forklifts and related services.


• Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency and reduce costs.


• Monitor supplier performance and introduce new suppliers where appropriate.


• Work closely with Production to communicate stock levels and potential supply issues.


• Partner with Technical to ensure quality standards, food safety and product integrity are maintained.


• Lead supplier tender processes and contract negotiations.


• Conduct supplier audits and ensure compliance with food safety, ethical sourcing and legal requirements.


• Contribute to strategic procurement projects, business planning and risk mitigation.


• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement.


• Ensure full compliance with company policies and food safety standards.

Essential Requirements

• 2-3 years' experience in a procurement or supply chain role within fresh produce, agriculture or food manufacturing.


• Degree qualified in Agriculture, Supply Chain, Food Science, Business or a related discipline.


• Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial agreements.


• Strong understanding of budgeting and cost management.


• Excellent IT skills with experience using ERP systems.


• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.


• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.


• Able to perform effectively under pressure.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Full passport with willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Desirable

• Supply chain or procurement qualification.


• Background in agronomy or fresh produce procurement.


• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and project management.


• Knowledge of sustainability and ethical sourcing standards.


• Experience with strategic procurement initiatives.


• Advanced Excel and ERP/MRP system knowledge.