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- Tasks: Lead category growth for avocado and value-added products across Europe.
- Company: Join Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in fresh produce and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to work globally.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team driving growth in a sustainable industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and fluency in English and French required.
- Other info: Apply now; we review applications on a rolling basis!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Come and join the leading Westfalia Fruit, a multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. We have a new opportunity for a range of Category Managers within Indirect Spend to join our growth across Europe.
As Category Manager in Indirect Spend, you will play a central role within one of three categories including 3PL, Ocean and Road Logistics, MRO, Services, Consumables and General purchasing. You will be pivotal in driving category growth and enhancing product performance. You will work closely with key customers to develop and implement innovative strategies that support our ambitious growth plans, whilst becoming a subject matter expert on all products within your category.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop and lead the category vision for the avocado and value-added product lines across key European growth markets.
- Lead the development of the short and long-term category agenda in alignment with Westfalia’s growth plans, ensuring its execution with customers.
- Translate category insights into actionable recommendations for customers, helping drive category growth through assortment optimisation, shelving strategies, and promotional effectiveness.
- Present category strategies and business reviews to customers, demonstrating growth possibilities for both the category and Westfalia products.
- Work closely with internal teams to ensure the alignment of category initiatives with overall business objectives.
- Lead the category development agenda for innovation projects, working with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and improve category offerings.
- Set the agenda for category growth, ensuring the flawless execution of category projects in collaboration with sales and commercial teams.
- Develop customer-specific planograms and assortment strategies, working closely with space management teams.
Experience we look for:
Essential Experience, Qualifications & Skills:
- Proven experience within specific categories of spend, strategic sourcing within a corporate or multinational environment.
- Exposure within the food industry is essential, with fresh produce experience highly advantageous.
- University degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
- Fluency in English and French (C1 level or above for one of the three roles), with strong cross-cultural communication skills.
- Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of supplier relationship management and cost optimisation.
- Advanced analytical and project management abilities, including strategic planning and risk assessment.
- Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams across multiple geographies.
Desirable Experience, Qualifications & Skills:
- MBA or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) certification.
- Previous experience in fresh produce, food, or FMCG sectors.
- Familiarity with MS Dynamics 365 or other ERP systems.
- Proficiency in additional European languages specifically as Spanish, German, Dutch or Portuguese.
- Strong understanding of sustainable sourcing, innovation pipelines, and supply market dynamics.
What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?
- We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that will vary by location.
- Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Be part of a global organisation recognised as a leader in fresh produce.
- Join a purpose-driven company committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Contribute to an industry leader at the forefront of fresh produce innovation.
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time. We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.
Category Manager - Indirect Spend employer: Westfalia Fruit
Contact Detail:
Westfalia Fruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Indirect Spend
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the fresh produce market, especially avocados. Understanding market trends and consumer preferences will help you speak confidently about category growth strategies during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, particularly those involved in category management or sourcing. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills and prepare examples of successful supplier relationship management. Being able to demonstrate your ability to optimise costs while maintaining quality will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical abilities by preparing case studies or examples of how you've used data to drive category decisions in the past. This will highlight your strategic planning skills and your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Indirect Spend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, particularly within indirect spend and the food industry. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic sourcing skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the food industry and your understanding of Westfalia Fruit's mission. Mention how your skills align with their growth objectives and your willingness to travel.
Highlight Language Proficiency: Since fluency in English and French is essential, clearly state your language skills in your application. If you have proficiency in additional European languages, be sure to include that as well.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've used advanced analytical skills in previous roles. Discuss any experience with project management and strategic planning that aligns with the responsibilities of the Category Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westfalia Fruit
✨Understand the Category Landscape
Before your interview, make sure to research the specific categories of indirect spend relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with trends in logistics, MRO, and consumables, as well as how they impact the fresh produce industry.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and strategic planning. Highlight examples where you've used analytics to drive category growth or optimise supplier relationships, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Cultural Communication
Since the role involves working across multiple geographies, emphasise your fluency in English and French, along with any other languages. Share experiences where you successfully navigated cultural differences in a business context.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect to discuss your negotiation skills during the interview. Prepare examples of past negotiations that led to cost optimisation or improved supplier relationships, showcasing your ability to drive value for the company.
