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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category strategy for fresh and frozen fruit & veg, engaging with suppliers and managing insights.
- Company: Join Foodbuy Group, a leading food procurement organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare benefits, and discounts across various sectors.
- Why this job: Kickstart your procurement career while making a positive impact on sustainability and quality.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer’s Assistant or Category Buyer, with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on responsible sourcing.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: London/Chertsey/Hybrid
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
Business Area: Core Food
About Foodbuy Group
Foodbuy Group is a leading food procurement organisation in the UK, managing over GBP2.5bn of spend across foodservice and hospitality. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we work directly with growers, manufacturers and suppliers - from major brands to regional specialists - to deliver value, quality and sustainability for our clients.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a developing buyer to take the next step in their procurement career. You'll support the end-to-end category process - from supplier engagement and pricing to insight, sustainability and tender activity - while gaining exposure to strategic category management in a fast-paced, commercial environment. You'll work closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders, culinary teams and supply chain partners, playing a key role in delivering value, quality, service and innovation for Foodbuy clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Category Manager in delivering short, medium and long-term category strategy
- Build strong relationships with growers and suppliers, including supplier meetings and farm visits
- Support sourcing, tender preparation, benchmarking and contract renewals
- Track industry trends and provide regular category insight
- Upload and manage monthly price files for external clients
- Liaise with supply chain teams on service levels, risks and contingency planning
- Support CSR compliance, sourcing standards and regulatory requirements
- Review supplier performance and support continuous improvement
- Provide category input for sales, bids and wider stakeholder queries
- Present insights on price movements, category plans and tender outcomes
About You
- Currently operating as a Buyer's Assistant or Category Buyer, ready to progress
- Commercially minded and comfortable working to targets
- Strong analytical skills with confidence using Excel and procurement systems
- Some experience of supplier negotiation and relationship management
- Passionate about sustainability and responsible sourcing
- Organised, detail-focused and resilient in a fast-paced environment
- Confident working with cross-functional teams and adapting to change
What's in it for you
- Competitive salary
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes
- Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits
- Discounts across travel, retail, groceries and entertainment
- Reward and recognition schemes, including Wow Points
Category Buyer employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food procurement industry on LinkedIn or at local events. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Foodbuy Group and their approach to sustainability and supplier relationships. Show us you’re passionate about the role and ready to contribute to our category strategy!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing pricing and supplier engagement. We want to see that you can handle those crucial conversations with confidence.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the Foodbuy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Fruit & Veg Category Buyer role. Highlight any relevant procurement experience, especially in fresh produce, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about sustainability and responsible sourcing. Connect your past experiences to the responsibilities of the role and show us how you can add value.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, make sure to mention any specific tools or systems you’ve used, especially Excel. If you have examples of how you've used data to drive decisions, share those!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd
✨Know Your Category
Before the interview, dive deep into the fruit and veg market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key suppliers, and sustainability practices. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed pricing or supplier performance. Highlighting your proficiency with Excel and procurement systems will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role involves a lot of relationship management. Use the interview to showcase your interpersonal skills. Ask insightful questions about their suppliers and category strategies to engage your interviewers and show your collaborative spirit.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to negotiate with suppliers or manage risks. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.