Global Logistics Procurement Manager

Company Overview

Westfalia Fruit is a global leader in the avocado industry, operating a fully integrated supply chain to grow, source, ripen, pack, and market quality avocados and fresh produce year-round. With operations spanning multiple continents, Westfalia serves retail and wholesale clients from offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Southern Africa.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Global Logistics Procurement Manager to be based at our Head Office in Kings Hill, Kent. This role is pivotal in managing and enhancing logistics operations throughout the fresh produce supply chain, ensuring efficient and sustainable product flow from grower to customer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement logistics strategies aligned with business expansion, superior service delivery, product quality assurance, and sustainability objectives.
• Design and continually refine the end-to-end logistics framework covering grower sites, distribution centers, and customer delivery points.
• Oversee transport operations including ocean freight, port handling, warehousing, road transport, and last-mile delivery, maintaining cold chain standards.
• Manage freight movement across inbound, internal, and outbound flows focusing on cost-effectiveness, service quality, punctuality, and product integrity.
• Establish comprehensive logistics processes with risk management and contingency plans to mitigate disruptions and maintain service reliability.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Sourcing, Operations, Commercial, Procurement, and Finance teams to ensure alignment between supply, demand, and logistics performance.
• Lead vendor selection, negotiation, and management of third-party logistics providers, carriers, shipping lines, and warehouses, emphasizing continuous improvement and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with global transport regulations, customs formalities, and sustainability programs including carbon footprint reduction and packaging optimizations.
• Monitor logistics KPIs, supplier risk profiles, budget adherence, and contractual terms to optimize operational and financial outcomes.
• Build and nurture a high-performing logistics team fostering responsibility, continuous improvement, succession planning, and professional growth.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Extensive logistics and supply chain management experience in fresh produce, food, or FMCG sectors.
• Proven competence managing Pan-European logistics networks across multi-country operations.
• Expertise in warehousing, freight forwarding, international transport, and distribution management.
• Hands-on experience coordinating multimodal freight (ocean, road, air).
• Successful track record managing third-party logistics providers, performance evaluations, and logistics tenders.
• Thorough knowledge of temperature-controlled, time-sensitive supply chains and cold chain management.
• Ability to optimize logistics networks to enhance service, quality, and cost metrics.
• Understanding of customs procedures, import/export laws, and compliance standards for international logistics.
• Strong analytical, financial, and commercial acumen including familiarity with ERP systems and logistics reporting tools.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and leadership skills across strategic and operational levels.

Desirable:

• Experience in global logistics or international supply chains beyond Europe.
• Background in avocado, fresh produce, or perishable goods industries.
• Knowledge of fruit ripening processes and their logistical impacts on shelf life.
• Proficiency in additional European languages, especially Spanish.
• Experience supporting sustainability initiatives and logistics efficiency projects.
• Exposure to logistics system implementations, transport optimization, or supply chain digitalization.
• Familiarity with retail and wholesale fulfillment requirements in fresh food supply chains.
• Experience working within matrix or globally integrated organizations.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave including bank and public holidays.
• Discretionary company bonus scheme.
• Free parking at the workplace.
• Company pension scheme.
• Private cash plan for healthcare benefits.
• Life insurance cover.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is between £70,000 and £100,000 annually, dependent on experience and skills. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis and the vacancy may close without notice. Westfalia Fruit is committed to equal employment opportunities and considers all applicants without discrimination based on age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, nationality, veteran status, neurodiversity, or disability.