At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for fresh and frozen fruit and veg, driving growth and sustainability.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a leader in food procurement with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and genuine career progression.
- Other info: Collaborate with top suppliers and culinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while shaping the future of food.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management or Senior Buying, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Foodbuy, we’re not just buying food – we’re shaping the future of food procurement. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we manage over £1.5bn in spend, partnering with some of the biggest names in hospitality and foodservice to deliver smarter, more sustainable supply solutions.
This is a high-impact, strategic role where you’ll shape and deliver the end-to-end category strategy across fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables. You’ll work closely with suppliers, chefs, and internal teams to deliver the right product, at the right price, while embedding sustainability, provenance, and innovation into everything you do.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the category strategy to drive growth, cost optimisation and innovation
- Owning supplier relationships, negotiations and contract management
- Identifying new suppliers and bringing fresh thinking into the category
- Driving sustainability initiatives and ensuring full supply chain transparency
- Working with development chefs to support menu and product development
- Delivering financial targets including inflation mitigation and commercial value
- Influencing internal stakeholders and supporting sales and bid activity
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in Category Management or Senior Buying (ideally food/fresh)
- Strong commercial acumen with negotiation and supplier management expertise
- Confident using data and insight to inform decisions and strategy
- Passion for sustainability and responsible sourcing
- A collaborative, fast-paced mindset with the ability to influence and deliver
Why Join Foodbuy?
- Be part of a market-leading procurement business with unrivalled scale
- Work at the forefront of sustainability and food innovation
- Collaborate with industry-leading suppliers and culinary teams
- Access genuine career progression and development opportunities
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
If you’re ready to take ownership of a key category and make a real impact in a dynamic, forward-thinking team – we’d love to hear from you.
Category Manager in London employer: Chartwells Independent
At Foodbuy, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the food procurement sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and sustainability. Our collaborative culture encourages professional growth, with access to genuine career progression opportunities and a competitive benefits package. Located in Chertsey/London, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while you contribute to shaping the future of food procurement alongside industry leaders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Chartwells Independent.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Chartwells Independent!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Chartwells Independent, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Chartwells Independent, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Chartwells Independent, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Chartwells Independent.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Chartwells Independent. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Chartwells Independent. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Chartwells Independent’s mission.
