At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for NHS food services, driving value and innovation.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a leader in food procurement within Compass Group UK & Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Hybrid working with clear career pathways and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that supports healthcare and improves dining services across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 37800 € per year.
Location: Chertsey / Normanton / Chester (hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Foodbuy
Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support a wide range of clients across public and private sectors, using our scale, expertise and insight to deliver value, innovation and sustainable supply chain solutions. Within Foodbuy, NHS Supply Chain: Food plays a critical role in supporting hospitals and healthcare organisations across the UK — helping Trusts deliver outstanding food and dining services while meeting commercial, quality and regulatory expectations. Our teams work in close partnership with the NHS to drive engagement, improve performance and identify opportunities that genuinely make a difference.
The Role
We are looking for a Category Buyer to join our NHS Supply Chain: Food team. In this role, you will manage the end‑to‑end procurement process for your category, delivering compliant, innovative and commercially focused sourcing solutions that drive value for the NHS. You will take ownership of category supplier relationships, work closely with internal and external stakeholders, and deliver procurement activity in line with public procurement regulations, while continually identifying opportunities to improve performance and outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full end‑to‑end procurement lifecycle for your category on behalf of NHS Supply Chain: Food
- Lead and deliver the NHS Supply Chain: Food Procurement Framework, from strategy development and tendering through to launch and ongoing supplier relationship management
- Develop and implement category strategies that optimise buying power, drive savings and deliver long‑term value
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring effective engagement, performance management and continuous improvement
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders across Foodbuy, Trusts and the wider Compass organisation
- Conduct market and industry analysis to build insight, support negotiations and inform category strategy
- Operate all procurement activity in line with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023
- Support delivery of team targets and KPIs to ensure value and savings are delivered for the NHS
What You’ll Bring
- Experience managing or supporting category procurement in a public sector or regulated environment
- Strong understanding of public procurement regulations and compliant sourcing processes
- Experience leading procurement frameworks and tender activity
- Confident stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work cross‑functionally
- Commercial awareness and the ability to build market insight and supplier knowledge
- A proactive, organised approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Working Pattern
This is a full‑time role aligned to offices in Chertsey, Normanton or Chester, depending on home location, with some travel to UK‑based sites and offices required.
Why Join Us
In return, we offer clearly defined career pathways, learning and development programmes, and progression opportunities to support your long‑term career aspirations — alongside the opportunity to make a genuine impact by supporting NHS organisations across the UK.
Category Buyer NEW Foodbuy Posted today £37,800 per year Chertsey Central Functions employer: Chartwells Independent
Foodbuy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within the healthcare sector. With clearly defined career pathways and extensive learning and development programmes, employees are empowered to grow and make a meaningful impact on NHS organisations across the UK. Located in Chertsey, Normanton, or Chester, this role provides the unique advantage of hybrid working, allowing for a balanced professional and personal life while contributing to vital public services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer NEW Foodbuy Posted today £37,800 per year Chertsey Central Functions
✨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 values. Understand what Foodbuy stands for and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in procurement and how it relates to the NHS Supply Chain: Food role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Foodbuy.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer NEW Foodbuy Posted today £37,800 per year Chertsey Central Functions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in public sector environments, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with our mission at Foodbuy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed supplier relationships or led procurement frameworks, and don’t forget to express your passion for supporting the NHS!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical skills, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to inform your procurement strategies. We love seeing candidates who can turn insights into action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on public procurement regulations and compliant sourcing processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a Category Buyer role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with suppliers and stakeholders in the past. This role requires strong communication skills, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to engage effectively across different teams.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data and market analysis to inform your procurement strategies. Highlight specific instances where your analytical skills led to improved outcomes or savings, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations of the role.
✨Bring Your Proactive Mindset
Think of examples that showcase your proactive approach to managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Employers love candidates who can juggle tasks efficiently while still delivering results, so share your strategies for staying organised and focused.
