At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong client relationships and drive procurement solutions for Compass sectors.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a key player in the UK's largest food services provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, personal development, and wellness support.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career progression and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commercial roles with strong communication skills.
At Foodbuy, we do more than procure — we create strategic partnerships that elevate operational excellence, sustainability and commercial performance across Compass Group UK & Ireland. With over £2bn in managed spend, we’re the procurement engine behind the UK’s largest food and support services provider. We’re now seeking a dynamic Account Manager to join our Commercial Management team. In this key role, you’ll be the primary link between Foodbuy and assigned Compass sectors and their various departments including operations, culinary and marketing, ensuring we deliver insight‑led, commercially strong and client‑focused procurement solutions and support the sector teams with their operational requirements.
Salary: £50,000 per annum + amazing package
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week - Monday - Friday (1-2 days working from home)
Location: London, WC1H 9LT
What you’ll be doing:
- Build strong, trusted client relationships
- Act as the main point of contact for designated Compass sectors for all things supply chain
- Develop a deep understanding of sector needs, priorities and challenges
- Lead Joint Business Planning (JBP) to align strategy, strengthen relationships and unlock growth
- Clearly articulate Foodbuy’s value proposition to stakeholders at all levels
- Deliver commercial impact and account growth
- Identify and drive sector‑specific commercial opportunities
- Support pricing strategy, supplier engagement and optimisation of suppliers within the supply chain
- Influence category adoption and ensure strong purchasing compliance
- Lead the mobilisation of new business and support rapid issue resolution
- Monitor performance and champion compliance
- Track KPIs and performance against agreed targets both based on spend and performance
- Analyse data to produce clear, actionable insights
- Promote preferred suppliers and contracted ranges to maximise value
- Provide confident, proactive communication during challenges or crises
- Drive sustainability and social value
- Support clients in delivering sustainability KPIs and net zero ambitions
- Contribute to ESG programme rollouts and promote supplier impact stories
- Advocate for social value initiatives across sectors
- Collaborate to deliver excellence
- Work cross‑functionally with procurement, operations, culinary, data and commercial teams
- Feed client insights into central Foodbuy programmes and improvements
- Represent sector interests across strategic projects
What we’re looking for:
- A relationship‑led Account Manager with experience in procurement, commercial or operational roles
- Strong commercial acumen with an analytical, insight‑driven approach
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable navigating different stakeholders across different departments including culinary, marketing and operations
- Proactive, organised and calm under pressure
- Passionate about delivering exceptional service and long‑term value
- Interest in sustainability, innovation and continuous improvement
- Ambitious and eager to grow within Compass Group
Why join Foodbuy?
- Lead the frontline of our client partnerships
- Join a high‑performing team within a FTSE 100 organisation
- Shape procurement, supply chain and commercial strategies that drive real business outcomes
- Excellent opportunities for progression across Compass Group
- Flexible hybrid working + competitive salary and benefits package
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Company‑funded APMP membership and professional certification training to support continued development
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Account Manager NEW CH&CO Catering Posted today £50,000 per year London Central Functions employer: Chartwells Independent
At Foodbuy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where you can thrive as an Account Manager. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide excellent opportunities for progression within our FTSE 100 organisation, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible hybrid working, personal development training, and a robust wellbeing strategy. Join us to be part of a high-performing team that values innovation, sustainability, and long-term client partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Manager NEW CH&CO Catering Posted today £50,000 per year London Central Functions
✨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 Chartwells Independent.
✨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 Account Manager NEW CH&CO Catering Posted today £50,000 per year London Central Functions
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 Chartwells Independent:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Chartwells Independent. 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 Chartwells Independent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨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 Chartwells Independent!
✨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 Chartwells Independent. 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 Chartwells Independent's culture.
