Gilfresh Produce Ltd is a premier, fast-growing FMCG family business dedicated to growing, sourcing, and packing the highest quality fresh produce. As a business built on strong family values, we are proud to operate under three core pillars: People, Planet, and Prosperity.
We are currently seeking a proactive, commercially sharp, and highly organized Produce Buyer to join our dynamic procurement team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional with a passion for the food industry to take ownership of key supply chains and drive commercial success in a fast-paced environment.
Job Title: Produce Buyer
Department: Procurement Department
Reports To: Head of Commercial Trading
Responsible For: Junior Buyers
The successful candidate will work within our 3 pillars of People, Planet and Prosperity
People & Relationship Management
- Work collaboratively across Procurement, Sales, Technical, and Operations teams to deliver the daily plan and ensure sustainable supply chain continuity.
- Uphold and champion core Gilfresh values across all internal operations and external partnerships.
- Build, maintain, and nurture resilient relationships with primary, secondary, and new growers, suppliers, and hauliers.
- Ensure transparent, proactive communication to keep internal teams and customers well-informed of any market changes impacting supply or production.
Supply Chain & Sustainability (Planet)
- Promote the sustainable Gilfresh brand by ensuring all growers and partners adhere to the company's 'Supplier Gold Standard' framework."
- Manage seasonal changeovers seamlessly within your accounts to guarantee smooth transitions for both the business and our customers.
- Partner with procurement colleagues to plan, agree, and communicate annual grow plans for local and imported produce, securing a consistent year-round supply.
Commercial & Financial Performance (Prosperity)
- Take full ownership of the financial performance of your assigned product lines, negotiating competitive pricing structures and executing spot buying when necessary.
- Monitor daily stock levels to meet customer demands while optimizing product residency times and shelf life.
- Review, verify, and sign off supplier payments, ensuring any non-conformance claims or credits are resolved before invoicing.
- Collate and analyze monthly financial margins, proactively identifying and correcting any anomalies.
- Plan and coordinate cost-effective transport routes with external hauliers to support Just-In-Time manufacturing and minimize factory waste.
The Ideal Candidate
As a family-run business, we look for individuals who share our values and possess a collaborative, "can-do" attitude. To excel in this role, you will need:
- Experience: Minimum 3 years of procurement or buying experience within a fast-paced FMCG environment (fresh produce experience is highly advantageous).
- Education: A degree or equivalent relevant professional qualification.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of managing product line profitability and analyzing financial margins.
- Skills: Excellent problem-solving, project management, and cross-functional teamwork capabilities.
- Attributes: High emotional intelligence, impactful interpersonal skills, humility, and a professional drive to continuously improve daily productivity.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary tailored to your experience.
- The chance to work within a progressive, leading FMCG business with a supportive team culture.
- Career longevity and progression opportunities within a growing procurement department.
Behaviours:
We are looking for someone who will:
- Own it
- Know it
- Control it
- Learn from it
- Celebrate it
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £34,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Armagh BT61 8PZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- What is your personal email address and phone number?
- We want to ensure this interview is accessible to you. Do you need any reasonable adjustments?
Education:
Experience:
- Buyer: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
