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For Companies Fruit and Veg Category Buyer
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.
We’re now looking for a Fruit & Veg Category Buyer to join our Core Food procurement team, supporting the Category Manager in shaping and delivering category strategy across fresh and frozen fruit & vegetables .
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 improvementProvide 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
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Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to sustainability and procurement, so you can show how you align with their goals. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you'll need to be confident in discussions with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
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 your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since strong analytical skills are crucial for this position, be prepared to discuss how you've used Excel or procurement systems in past roles. Bring examples of how your analysis led to better decision-making or cost savings, as this will demonstrate your capability.
✨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 supplier relationships and express your enthusiasm for building strong partnerships in the future.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of situations where you had to negotiate with suppliers or manage risks. Prepare structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly convey your thought process.