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- Tasks: Manage the entire category lifecycle, from strategy to performance improvement.
- Company: Join Foodbuy Group, a leader in UK food procurement with £2.2 billion in spend.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and be part of a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Influence national food choices while driving commercial success in a forward-thinking environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in category buying and strong procurement knowledge required.
- Other info: CIPS qualification is a plus; familiarity with Compass Group UK&I and Foodbuy is beneficial.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Chertsey/London/Hybrid | Company: Foodbuy Group
Join one of the UK’s leading food procurement organisations, managing over £2.2 billion in spend and partnering with major foodservice and hospitality clients. We are growing our teams and looking for a Category Development Buyer to support our Category Development Manager in developing winning category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving performance across Compass Group UK & Ireland and Foodbuy clients.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Take ownership of the end-to-end category lifecycle—from strategy and sourcing to performance improvement
- Manage and optimise product ranges and supplier contracts
- Build strong supplier partnerships that deliver value, compliance, and commercial returns
- Monitor and improve supplier performance across quality, service, and distribution platforms
- Drive category profitability through effective management of rebates and purchasing income
Who You Are:
- Experience in category buying within FMCG, retail, or foodservice
- Strong procurement knowledge and experience in large, complex businesses
- Skilled at stakeholder and supplier management, with a commercial mindset
- Ideally CIPS qualified (or working toward)
- Familiarity with Compass Group UK&I and Foodbuy is a plus
Ready to influence what the nation eats while driving commercial success? Apply now and become part of a forward-thinking, market-leading team.
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the food procurement landscape, especially within the FMCG and foodservice sectors. Understanding current trends and challenges can help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who work at Compass Group UK&I or Foodbuy. Attend relevant events or join online forums to build connections that could provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven category profitability in your previous roles. Highlighting measurable outcomes will demonstrate your impact and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in procurement practices and consider obtaining your CIPS qualification if you haven't already. This shows your commitment to professional growth and enhances your credibility as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Category Buyer. Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end category lifecycle and the importance of supplier relationships in the food procurement sector.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience in category buying, especially within FMCG, retail, or foodservice. Emphasise any relevant procurement knowledge and your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the food industry and how your skills align with the role. Mention your commercial mindset and any CIPS qualifications or progress towards them, as this is a plus for the position.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive category profitability and improve supplier performance. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Understand the Category Lifecycle
Make sure you can discuss the end-to-end category lifecycle confidently. Be prepared to explain how you would approach strategy, sourcing, and performance improvement in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Supplier Management Skills
Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships. Prepare examples of how you've built strong partnerships that delivered value and compliance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've driven profitability in past positions. Share specific instances where your decisions positively impacted rebates and purchasing income.
✨Familiarity with the Industry
If you have knowledge of Compass Group UK&I and Foodbuy, mention it! Even if you don't, showing an understanding of the food procurement landscape will impress your interviewers.
