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- Tasks: Lead the strategic development of Beers & Spirits, driving growth and enhancing client value.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, the UK's leading food procurement organisation within a FTSE 100 company.
- Benefits: Dynamic team environment, excellent career development, and opportunities to shape national strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Beers & Spirits sector while working with top brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in the Beers & Spirits industry and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Embrace innovation and sustainability in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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?
Joining Foodbuy means becoming part of a dynamic team at the heart of a FTSE 100 organisation. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- 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.
Category Manager NEW Foodbuy Posted today Competitive London Central Functions employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager NEW Foodbuy Posted today Competitive London Central Functions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Beers & Spirits industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Foodbuy and its competitors. Understand their market position and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Category Development Manager. Highlight your supplier management skills and any successful projects you've led in the past. 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 the Foodbuy team and making an impact in the Beers & Spirits category.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager NEW Foodbuy Posted today Competitive London Central Functions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in the Beers & Spirits sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry. Share specific examples of how you've driven success in previous roles and how you can bring that energy to Foodbuy.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, include examples of how you've used data to make decisions or drive performance in past positions. We love seeing how you translate insights into action!
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 this exciting opportunity at Foodbuy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Beers & Spirits
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Beers & Spirits sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market dynamics. This will not only show your passion for the industry but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts. Highlight your ability to deliver against targets and how your analytical skills have led to actionable insights in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Foodbuy values collaboration, so be ready to share experiences where you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you’ve embraced diverse thinking and contributed to team success, as this aligns with their leadership style.
✨Prepare Questions About Sustainability
Since sustainability is a key focus for Foodbuy, come prepared with thoughtful questions about their CSR objectives. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in the company’s values and long-term goals.
