At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape product categories and drive profit while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Booker, the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler with a focus on diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts at Tesco, health support, and a great holiday package.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career with mentorship and real impact in a major business.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a knack for problem-solving required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About the role
Reporting to: Category Manager
Based: Wellingborough / Watford
Job Summary
Play a key role in shaping our product categories, delighting customers, and driving cash profit - all while building standout skills in a major UK business. We’re excited to offer a 10-month fixed-term opportunity to join our Catering team as a Category Manager – Designate. This role is perfect for someone who wants to accelerate their career, gain hands‑on experience in a large, well‑established organisation, and develop the kind of commercial skills that open doors.
As a Category Manager – Designate, you’ll be stepping into a role designed around your growth. You’ll work closely with an experienced mentor, be supported by a structured development programme, and get real exposure to how a major product function operates. You’ll build confidence, learn how to manage a product portfolio, and contribute to decisions that genuinely impact the business. Whether you’re looking to step up, switch direction, or gain experience in a competitive field, this role gives you the platform to do it – with the backing of a respected brand and a team invested in your development. This is a hybrid role, giving you the flexibility to balance focused home working with valuable in‑person collaboration.
What is in it for you
- A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
- After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four‑weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year.
- In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
- 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals throughout the year.
- Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
- Free eye test when you spend £50 or more.
- You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
- 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
- Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates.
- An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
- After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
- Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
- Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay.
- Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
- A great holiday package.
You will be responsible for
- The development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of sales, margin and profit are met whilst maintaining continuity of product availability.
- Source and manage products to grow both brand and own brand sales and profitability.
- Work with suppliers to deliver best availability, profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Seek and react to customer feedback to help shape the category plan.
- Develop and communicate a category plan for the relevant product category.
- Ensure product range reflects customer needs, e.g. follows the principles of good, better and best.
- Communicate and develop relationships across other parts of the business, e.g. supply chain, sales teams and operations.
- Following our Business Code of Conduct and always acting with integrity and due diligence championing diversity and inclusion.
You will need
- Exceptional communication & stakeholder management.
- Be able to work independently to problem solve and make commercial decisions.
- Solid understanding of commercial requirements, profit calculation, sales analysis.
- Attention to detail, writing of reports, interpreting data and keeping of accurate records.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant markets and market developments.
- Ability to flex work approach.
Experience relevant for this job
- Understanding of Buying.
About us
Booker is the UK’s leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.
We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life‑changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.
We’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed employer and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please contact recruitment@bookergroup.com.
Please note
We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles. On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.
*Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco.*
For more information about us please visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk
Category Manager Designate - Catering (up To 10-month Ftc) in Wellingborough employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
At Booker, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters growth and development. As a Category Manager – Designate, you'll benefit from a structured development programme, mentorship, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With competitive discounts, a robust pension plan, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we ensure our employees feel valued and supported in their career journey.
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager Designate - Catering (up To 10-month Ftc) in Wellingborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Category Manager – Designate role. Highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to the team’s success. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and are keen to be part of the Booker family.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager Designate - Catering (up To 10-month Ftc) in Wellingborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager – Designate role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying and stakeholder management, and show us how you can contribute to our catering team.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your exceptional communication skills and problem-solving abilities. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully managed product portfolios or driven profitability.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We value diversity and inclusion, so share your unique perspective and how it aligns with our values at Booker. Remember, we want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be seen by the right people, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the product categories relevant to the role. Understand current trends, customer preferences, and how they align with the company's offerings. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and insight during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Category Manager, exceptional communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholder relationships or resolved conflicts in the past. This will highlight your ability to collaborate across teams and drive results.
✨Prepare for Commercial Questions
Brush up on your understanding of profit calculations, sales analysis, and market developments. Be ready to discuss how you would approach category planning and product sourcing to maximise profitability and customer satisfaction.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've had to make commercial decisions independently. Share these stories to illustrate your analytical skills and ability to adapt your work approach to meet business needs.
