This company is a significant force in the European and UK Salad trade they are looking for a Senior Fresh Produce professional to join their UK team as Sales and Procurement Manager.

They are extremely well respected and hold a prominent position in the overall Salads Trade. They remain a family concern with an enviable staff retention rate and a reputation that makes them a ‘go to’ employer. In addition to growers across the globe the Dutch based company has won accolades that celebrate them and their supply chain with the most sustainability practices for a produce company in Europe.

The hiring Team is based in Kent and covers all UK Retail and Non Retail sales, all sales to Spain and France (Summer) and manages the Winter season procurement for NL and UK.

The ideal candidate will be experienced with the Fresh Produce Industry in both Sales and Procurement They will be responsible for the management and development of various Salad categories and implementation of business development strategies to capitalise on new opportunities and establish strong strategic partnerships.

The role: 

• To provide market leading strategies to deliver new product developments in both fresh and value-added categories
• To deliver outstanding service expectations, ensuring customers’ expectations are met
• Grow the customer base
• Formulation and implementation of seasonal programs with the integrated Supply base.
• Lead pricing negotiations
• Establish, develop and maintain a commercially beneficial relationship with key customers. Write, implement, evolve and communicate a plan for all required areas.
• Achieve all sales, volume and margin targets within key accounts
• Provide weekly sales forecasting to the business; · Provide accurate account information for the use in longer term forecasting and programming
• Continuously evaluate the supply chain to identify cost savings and opportunities to improve the quality and freshness of the product
• Liaise with internal departments (supply chain, procurement, technical, operations) to ensure quality and timely delivery of product
• Liaise with procurement and supply chain teams to address sourcing and availability issues. Maintain and develop Winter procurement (currently mainly Morocco).
• Understand and communicate technical issues with the customer commercial team where necessary and liaise on these issues internally with technical and quality teams to achieve satisfactory resolution
• Develop and maintain an understanding of the market sector including consumer trends, competitor activity and product lines
• To identify and deliver opportunities for profitable business growth within key accounts
• Ensure the adherence of administrative and financial systems and controls
• Provide summary information regarding sales, volumes, margins and prices as and when required

Qualifications and Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in a commercial role within fresh produce (fruit and vegetables)
• A proven track record of successful business relationships together with the development of new products, marketing, and strategic partnerships
• Written and spoken fluency in English

Skills

• A specialist all-encompassing knowledge of fresh produce
• Demonstrable initiative-taking and innovative problem-solving abilities
• A strong, professional communicator who builds mutual trust and respect within a European supply-base.
• Skilled negotiator with commercial and financial acumen
• Possesses a win-win mindset
• To consistently meet targets and thrive in a high- pressure environment

You must be eligible to work in UK, be willing and able to travel internationally and be in receipt of a valid passport and full driving licence.

To apply for the exciting role, send a copy of your CV to /frank@fmkconsulting.co (just.co)