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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and execute category strategy for Grocery Commodities, managing supplier relationships and performance.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a top UK food procurement organisation focused on sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, bonuses, free meals, training, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food procurement in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven expertise in food procurement, strong negotiation skills, and advanced Excel proficiency preferred.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role with potential for career development within the Food Category Team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Category Manager – Chertsey
Category Development Manager
Location: Chertsey/London/Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
About Foodbuy
Foodbuy Group is a leading food procurement organisation based in the UK. With over 2bn of managed spend, we bring together the widest range of foodservice and hospitality clients to buy food and non-food. As the UK\’s largest Group Purchasing Organisation, we work closely with our clients to deliver expert procurement services-saving them time and money, enabling them to focus on what really matters to their businesses.
About the Role
We\’re looking for a Category Development Manager – Indirects to join our dynamic Supplies, Equipment & Services (SES) Category Team at Foodbuy. This is a high-impact leadership role where you\’ll take full ownership of your category strategy and deliver measurable growth, cost savings, and long-term value for our clients.
You’ll lead procurement and supplier management strategies, leveraging our group scale to unlock competitive advantage and drive commercial performance. Working in a fast-paced, complex environment, you’ll influence and engage a diverse range of stakeholders-including internal teams, clients, and suppliers-while ensuring supply chain resilience and negotiating sustainable commercial terms.
This role requires strong leadership skills, as you’ll manage and develop a high‑performing team. Your ability to think strategically, act decisively, and collaborate cross‑functionally will be key to success.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute a long‑term category strategy to deliver sustainable improvements in cost, quality, service, and innovation.
- Secure the best price, quality, and sustainable products.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, identifying new opportunities and driving commercial value.
- Monitor market trends and ensure we remain industry‑leading.
- Deliver financial targets including inflation mitigation and new commercial value.
- Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations, and sustainability requirements.
- Represent Foodbuy at industry events and communicate trends across the business.
- Support sales and bid teams and influence external clients to adopt our commercial terms.
- Work closely with sustainability teams to deliver programs and commitments.
About You
- Proven experience in strategic category management within a complex procurement or commercial environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth and cost savings.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Skilled in influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and levels.
- Experienced in leading and developing high‑performing teams.
- Confident communicator and presenter with strong analytical skills.
- Proactive, results‑oriented mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics, risk management, and market trends.
Why Join Us?
At Foodbuy, we’re committed to driving innovation and delivering exceptional value for our clients. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, lead a talented team, and shape the future of our category strategy.
Ready to take the next step? Apply today and help us transform the way we deliver value to our clients.
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Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Chertsey
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in grocery commodities and food procurement. Understanding market dynamics will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Category Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or executed category strategies in the past. This will showcase your experience and align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Foodbuy and Compass Group's sustainability initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their mission and values will allow you to tailor your conversation and show that you're a great fit for their culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Chertsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Category Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as commercial expertise and negotiation skills, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in food or FMCG procurement/category management. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or executed category strategies in the past.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires the ability to translate data into clear actions, mention any experience you have with market data analysis or tools like Excel. Highlight projects where your analytical skills led to successful outcomes.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising your cover letter. Address it to the hiring manager if possible, and express your enthusiasm for the role and the company's mission to transform procurement for good.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Category Manager, especially in grocery commodities. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing supplier relationships and executing category strategies.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since strong negotiation skills are crucial for this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
Highlight your ability to translate market data into actionable insights. Prepare to discuss how you've used tools like Excel or market insight tools to inform your decisions in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires strong interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've effectively collaborated with internal teams or clients. Be prepared to discuss how you manage stakeholder expectations and foster positive relationships.
