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- Tasks: Negotiate supplier agreements and lead projects for procurement synergies.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a ÂŁ2bn+ procurement powerhouse within Compass Group UK & Ireland.
- Benefits: Be part of a growing team with opportunities for career development and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in SES categories and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with high-profile clients and a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Category Development Manager
Location: Chertsey/London/Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
About Foodbuy
Foodbuy Group is a leading food procurement organisation based in the UK. With over £2bn of managed spend , we bring together the widest range of foodservice and hospitality clients to buy food and non-food. As the UK’s largest Group Purchasing Organisation, we work closely with our clients to deliver expert procurement services—saving them time and money, enabling them to focus on what really matters to their businesses.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Category Development Manager – Indirects to join our dynamic Supplies, Equipment & Services (SES) Category Team at Foodbuy. This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll take full ownership of your category strategy and deliver measurable growth, cost savings, and long-term value for our clients.
You’ll lead procurement and supplier management strategies, leveraging our group scale to unlock competitive advantage and drive commercial performance. Working in a fast-paced, complex environment, you’ll influence and engage a diverse range of stakeholders—including internal teams, clients, and suppliers—while ensuring supply chain resilience and negotiating sustainable commercial terms.
This role requires strong leadership skills, as you’ll manage and develop a high-performing team. Your ability to think strategically, act decisively, and collaborate cross-functionally will be key to success.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute a long‑term category strategy to deliver sustainable improvements in cost, quality, service, and innovation.
- Secure the best price, quality, and sustainable products.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, identifying new opportunities and driving commercial value.
- Monitor market trends and ensure we remain industry‑leading.
- Deliver financial targets including inflation mitigation and new commercial value.
- Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations, and sustainability requirements.
- Represent Foodbuy at industry events and communicate trends across the business.
- Support sales and bid teams and influence external clients to adopt our commercial terms.
- Work closely with sustainability teams to deliver programs and commitments.
About You
- Proven experience in strategic category management within a complex procurement or commercial environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth and cost savings.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Skilled in influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and levels.
- Experienced in leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Confident communicator and presenter with strong analytical skills.
- Proactive, results‑oriented mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics, risk management, and market trends.
Why Join Us?
At Foodbuy, we’re committed to driving innovation and delivering exceptional value for our clients. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, lead a talented team, and shape the future of our category strategy.
Ready to take the next step? Apply today and help us transform the way we deliver value to our clients.
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Category Manager employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 competitors. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨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 Foodbuy and being part of our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience with SES categories and any relevant supplier negotiations you've handled. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your commercial acumen and analytical mindset. Tell us about a time you delivered results and how you can bring that same energy to Foodbuy.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love a collaborative team player! In your application, mention experiences where you worked across different teams or departments. This will show us that you can thrive in our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our ambitious team at Foodbuy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the SES categories relevant to Foodbuy. Understand the current market trends, key suppliers, and any recent changes in procurement practices. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you demonstrate your analytical mindset and commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of past negotiations where you secured better terms or improved supplier agreements. Be ready to discuss your approach and how you adapted your style for different audiences. This will highlight your ability to flex your negotiation tactics and deliver results.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since the role requires collaboration across various teams, think of instances where you successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Share how you balanced stakeholder needs while driving joint business plans. This will showcase your team player attitude and client-focused approach.
✨Prepare for Data Interpretation
Brush up on your data analysis skills. Be prepared to interpret complex data sets and make evidence-based recommendations during the interview. You might be asked to analyse a scenario or case study, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.