At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for NHS food services, driving value and innovation.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a leading food procurement organisation within Compass Group UK & Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that supports healthcare organisations 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 in London employer: Chartwells Independent
Foodbuy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Chertsey that fosters collaboration and innovation within the NHS Supply Chain. Employees benefit from clearly defined career pathways, comprehensive learning and development programmes, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on healthcare services across the UK. With a strong focus on sustainability and value-driven procurement, Foodbuy provides a unique opportunity for professionals to thrive while contributing to the greater good.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer NEW Foodbuy Posted today £37,800 per year Chertsey Central Functions in London
✨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 values. Understand their procurement processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table and how you can add value to their team. A confident delivery can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re 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 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in public procurement and how it aligns with our mission at Foodbuy. We want to see how you can bring value to the NHS!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your stakeholder management, analytical skills, and ability to drive savings. We love seeing real-life applications of your talents.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
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 within which Foodbuy operates.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills by discussing past experiences where you've conducted market analysis or developed category strategies. Use specific examples to illustrate how your insights led to successful outcomes.
✨Build Relationships in Mind
Think about how you can build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholder communication and engagement in previous roles.
✨Be Proactive and Organised
Highlight your proactive approach and organisational skills during the interview. Discuss how you manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments, as this is crucial for the role of a Category Buyer.
