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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive business growth.
- Company: Join lululemon, a leader in innovative performance apparel focused on wellness and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values innovation, connection, and positive change in the community.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong data analysis skills, and a passion for process improvement.
- Other info: Work onsite at least 4 days a week to foster collaboration and connection.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Introduction
Category Development Manager – Beers & Spirits
Location: London (with travel to client & supplier sites)
Business Area: Foodbuy
Join Foodbuy – The UK\’s Leading Food Procurement Organisation
Foodbuy is a market-leading procurement organisation with over £2bn of managed spend, supporting some of the UK\’s biggest foodservice and hospitality clients. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we combine scale, expertise, and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding commercial value and innovative solutions for our clients.
We are now looking for a skilled and commercially driven Category Development Manager (Beers & Spirits) to take ownership of a strategic, high-profile category with a managed spend of approximately £60m, contributing to a wider £126m portfolio.
Alcoholic beverages play a vital role across our client base – from independent pubs to major stadiums and well-known public venues. This role is ideal for someone with industry experience who can hit the ground running.
The Role
Lead strategic development of the Beers & Spirits category, creating a robust three-year growth and income plan.
Manage supplier and contract relationships, including quarterly business reviews and performance oversight.
Develop market-driven insights and use competitor data to strengthen Foodbuy\’s market position.
Drive supply chain performance, ensuring contracted manufacturers deliver against service expectations.
Identify commercial opportunities that enhance client value and category performance.
Work closely with internal teams across retail, commercial and supply chain.
Support new business bids, mobilisations and operational projects within the sector.
Travel to client and supplier sites as required.
What We\’re Looking For
Experience & Knowledge
Strong background in the Beers & Spirits sector.
Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to deliver against stretching targets.
Proven experience in supplier management, negotiation and complex contract delivery.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Experience managing multiple projects with cross-functional teams.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, pressurised environment.
Passion for sustainability and supporting CSR objectives.
Your Behaviours & Leadership Style
Sets high standards and champions quality.
Takes responsibility and drives priorities effectively.
Embraces collaboration, diverse thinking and ethical working.
Influences effectively and challenges constructively.
Brings energy, positivity and a \”can-do\” approach.
Helps others grow and celebrates team success.
Why Join Foodbuy?
Shape strategy for a major category with national impact.
Build relationships with leading brands and suppliers.
Deliver commercial success for a wide range of clients.
Access excellent career development pathways within Compass Group.
Work in a business that values innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
If you\’re commercially driven, passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry, and eager to influence a high-profile category within one of the UK\’s most respected procurement organisations, we\’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the future of Beers & Spirits at Foodbuy.
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Category Manager employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with lululemon's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to innovation, community, and inclusivity will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in the procurement field, especially those who have worked at lululemon. They can provide valuable insights into the company’s procurement strategies and what they look for in a Category Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data analysis skills, particularly in relation to procurement. Being able to demonstrate your ability to analyse complex data and derive actionable insights will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and negotiations in the past. Highlighting your experience in these areas will show that you can deliver results in a fast-paced environment like lululemon.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications of the Category Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your relevant procurement experience, particularly in international settings. Highlight any achievements related to data analysis, supplier negotiation, and project management that demonstrate your capability to excel in this role.
Write a Tailored Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the retail industry and your understanding of lululemon's values. Discuss how your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to process improvement can contribute to their goals, making sure to reference specific aspects of the job description.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Category Manager, you'll need to analyse complex data to develop insights. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully used data analysis to drive procurement decisions or improve processes.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
This role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills. Think of instances where you've effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams or external suppliers, and be ready to share how you navigated those relationships to achieve business goals.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Experience
Negotiation is key in procurement. Prepare to talk about your experiences leading supplier negotiations, including the strategies you employed and the outcomes achieved. This will show your capability in delivering results through effective sourcing.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The ability to balance workload and prioritise tasks is crucial in this role. Share examples of how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating your agility and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
