At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the protein category, driving growth and innovation in food procurement.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, the UK's top food procurement organisation with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on industry partnerships and market trends.
- Why this job: Shape a high-impact category while promoting responsible sourcing and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Category Manager or Senior Buyer with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Chertsey & London
Salary: Competitive
Foodbuy is the UK's leading food procurement organisation, managing over £2.5bn of spend and supporting a diverse range of foodservice and hospitality clients. We combine scale, data and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding value, innovation and sustainable sourcing solutions.
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we work directly with manufacturers, growers and suppliers of all sizes, delivering best-in-class procurement expertise across the UK & Ireland.
We're now looking for a Protein Category Manager to join our Food team, leading one of our most high-profile and commercially critical categories.
The Role
This is a key strategic role where you'll take ownership of the protein category (including meat, poultry, fish and seafood), shaping and delivering long-term category strategies that drive growth, value and innovation. You'll lead supplier strategy, commercial negotiations and contract delivery, while working closely with culinary teams, sustainability experts and key stakeholders across the business. With a focus on sustainability, provenance and responsible sourcing, you'll play a pivotal role in influencing product development, improving supply chains and delivering best value for clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a long-term category strategy across protein, driving improvements in cost, quality, service and innovation
- Lead supplier relationships, identifying new partners and building strong, strategic collaborations
- Deliver commercial targets, including inflation mitigation, value generation and volume growth
- Lead negotiations and contract renewals, securing sustainable commercial terms
- Build robust pricing and cost models across the supply base
- Ensure compliance with food safety, sustainability and quality standards
- Collaborate with chefs and culinary teams to support menu and product development
- Work closely with sustainability teams to drive carbon reduction and animal welfare initiatives
- Evaluate tenders and make recommendations based on commercial, technical and supply considerations
- Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities to enhance value
- Support internal stakeholders including sales, bids and account teams
- Represent Foodbuy at industry events and communicate market trends across the business
About You
- Currently operating as a Category Manager or Senior Category Buyer, ready to step into a more strategic role
- Strong commercial mindset, with experience delivering against stretching targets
- Proven ability to negotiate and influence suppliers at a senior level
- Highly analytical, confident working with data to inform decisions
- Passionate about sustainability, responsible sourcing and animal welfare
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, able to build credibility across the business
- Organised, resilient and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead and inspire others
Why Join Foodbuy?
- Own and shape a high-impact, business-critical category
- Work with leading suppliers and industry partners
- Play a key role in delivering sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives
- Be part of a high-performing, collaborative procurement function
- Excellent career development within a market-leading organisation
Category Development Manager in Chertsey employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Development Manager in Chertsey
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like All The Top Bananas.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Development Manager in Chertsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to All The Top Bananas. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like All The Top Bananas.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at All The Top Bananas!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at All The Top Bananas. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into All The Top Bananas's culture.
