Role Overview:
The Category Manager is responsible for leading the commercial strategy, sourcing, and development of the Fresh category across the Bidfresh group. Reporting to the Buying Director, this role focuses on building profitable, sustainable business growth through strategic buying, supplier partnerships, and category development. The role combines strong commercial acumen with deep market knowledge, ensuring competitive supply, excellent product quality, and continuous innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Category & Business Development:
- Own and deliver the category strategy for Fresh Salmon, Seabass, Haddock, Cod, Hake and many other species, driving sales growth, margin, and market share.
- Identify and develop new business opportunities, products, and routes to market, including foreign travel as required.
- Analyse market trends, pricing, and customer demand to inform commercial decisions
Buying & Supplier Management:
- Lead commercial negotiations, contracts, and pricing structures
- Build long-term strategic supplier relationships focused on quality, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
- Manage seasonal supply challenges and mitigate risk through effective planning
Commercial Performance:
- Deliver agreed sales, margin, availability, volume and range increase targets.
- Monitor KPIs including waste, yield, forecast accuracy, and service levels
- Work closely with supply chain and operations to optimise freshness and stock flow
Quality, Compliance & Sustainability:
- Ensure compliance with food safety, traceability, and regulatory requirements
- Support responsible sourcing and sustainability initiatives (e.g. ASC, MSC, MCS)
- Resolve quality or supply issues quickly and effectively
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with sales, technical, logistics, and marketing teams
- Support customer-facing teams with market insight and product expertise
- Coach and mentor junior team member where applicable
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Proven experience as a Category Manager or Senior Buyer within Fresh Seafood
- Strong knowledge of Fresh Salmon, Fresh Haddock and Fresh Seabass markets, preference would be to bring extensive knowledge of several species.
- Demonstrated success in building and developing profitable categories
- Strong commercial, analytical, and negotiation skills
- People management skills.
Desirable:
- Experience across foodservice, Production and/or wholesale channels
- Knowledge of global seafood supply chains and sustainability standards
Personal Attributes
- Commercially driven and results-focused
- Confident decision-maker
- Strong relationship builder
- Adaptable in a fast-moving fresh food environment
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Category Manager – Fresh Seafood employer: Bidfresh
At Bidfresh, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where our Delivery Drivers are valued for their contributions. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive training and support to help you excel in your role while fostering a culture of teamwork and customer service excellence. Join us in delivering fresh ingredients across the region, and enjoy the unique advantage of working in a company that prioritises both your professional journey and the satisfaction of our clients.
