Head of Sourcing & Agronomy

SVZ International (HQ Breda), with production sites in Poland, the USA, Belgium, and Spain, and a 150-year heritage across the agro-supply chain, has extensive experience in delivering high-quality, delicious fruit and vegetable ingredients. Their continuous growth, commitment to innovation, and stringent quality standards have enabled them to become a key supplier to global food and beverage manufacturers.

From the refreshing sweetness of strawberries to vitamin-rich spinach and elderberries, or even the delicious earthy flavour of pumpkin, SVZ provides the perfect ingredient for your next juice, yogurt, ice-cream or baby food product. Their portfolio includes various varieties and formats—both organic and conventional—offering a full range of purées, juice concentrates, NFC juices, and IQF. SVZ employs 500 dedicated professionals and is part of the Doehler group.

To complete our dynamic team we are seeking for a highly motivated and experienced:

Head of Sourcing & Agronomy (40 hours)

Contributing through strategic sourcing and value creation

As a Head of Sourcing & Agronomy of SVZ, with three plants in Poland, Spain, and Belgium, you will play a pivotal role in both shaping strategy and executing operational excellence across our region. You are expected to lead a dynamic team of seven full-time professionals scattered across Poland, Spain, and the Benelux region, driving sourcing strategies that pave the way for ambitious growth targets. Your strategic vision and lead by example, hands-on approach, will help us achieve our goal of doubling the business within the next five years. This role requires a pro-active, energetic team builder who consistently bases their decisions on maintaining the global picture, concrete facts while maintaining a strong focus on operational execution.

You will report to the General Manager of SVZ, within the Döhler matrix reporting lines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage sustainability projects across the food and beverages industry, ensuring alignment with company goals and global sustainability standards.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies across the EMEA region in line with our growth ambitions to double our business and serve our valued customers with premium processed fruit & veggie ingredients
• Lead and motivate a team of 7 FTE’s, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environmentEnsure the translation of strategic plans into seamless, everyday operational excellence
• Serve as a strong negotiator and fact-based decision maker, always ready to take bold steps and make tough decision when necessary
• Utilize your minimum five years of experience from the Fruit & Veggie business to guide market-specific strategies
• Contribute to an evolving culture of innovation and relentless pursuit of growth targets in a competitive international setting

Required Skills & Experience

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Sustainability or related areas.
• Proven experience as a Sustainability Manager or in a similar role within the food and beverages industry.
• Demonstrable project management experience, including leading sustainability projects in the field.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage stakeholders at all levels.

Personal Attributes

• Master Degree in a related field
• Minimum 5 years of industry-specific experience, understanding the nuances and dynamics of the marketplace
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen
• Proven experience leading teams, you have the ability to uplift and develop team members in a diverse, multi-location setup.
• Deep understanding of seasonality and supply chains within the fresh produce sector
• You are both able to plan strategically but also dive into detailed operational challenges
• Passionate about driving and scaling business efforts with a clear growth mindset
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, international environment

What do we have to offer you?

We offer you an attractive salary with additional benefits, the flexibility to work in a hybrid model for an optimal work-life balance, and an inspiring, driven work environment in a modern office. You will be part of an enthusiastic team where collaboration and positive atmosphere are key. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work in an international setting with plenty of growth opportunities.

SVZ is a producer of  healthy ingredients, produced in a sustainable way that taste great all over the world. A good compensation package with an end-years gratification and extra free holidays (+9,5 ADV days).

You can send your application to Dorien Dhont, Manager HR Business Partnering, [email protected] . For more information you can visit our website www.svz.com.