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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and drive growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Foodbuy, a leading food procurement organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work culture, and opportunities for innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact and shape the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic category management and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Join a talented team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Chertsey/London/Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
About Foodbuy
Foodbuy Group is a leading food procurement organisation based in the UK. With over £2bn of managed spend, we bring together the widest range of foodservice and hospitality clients to buy food and non-food. As the UK's largest Group Purchasing Organisation, we work closely with our clients to deliver expert procurement services‑saving them time and money, enabling them to focus on what really matters to their businesses.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Category Development Manager - Indirects to join our dynamic Supplies, Equipment & Services (SES) Category Team at Foodbuy. This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll take full ownership of your category strategy and deliver measurable growth, cost savings, and long-term value for our clients. You’ll lead procurement and supplier management strategies, leveraging our group scale to unlock competitive advantage and drive commercial performance. Working in a fast‑paced, complex environment, you’ll influence and engage a diverse range of stakeholders‑including internal teams, clients, and suppliers‑while ensuring supply chain resilience and negotiating sustainable commercial terms. This role requires strong leadership skills, as you’ll manage and develop a high‑performing team. Your ability to think strategically, act decisively, and collaborate cross‑functionally will be key to success.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute a long‑term category strategy to deliver sustainable improvements in cost, quality, service, and innovation.
- Secure the best price, quality, and sustainable products.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, identifying new opportunities and driving commercial value.
- Monitor market trends and ensure we remain industry‑leading.
- Deliver financial targets including inflation mitigation and new commercial value.
- Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations, and sustainability requirements.
- Represent Foodbuy at industry events and communicate trends across the business.
- Support sales and bid teams and influence external clients to adopt our commercial terms.
- Work closely with sustainability teams to deliver programs and commitments.
About You
- Proven experience in strategic category management within a complex procurement or commercial environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth and cost savings.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Skilled in influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and levels.
- Experienced in leading and developing high‑performing teams.
- Confident communicator and presenter with strong analytical skills.
- Proactive, results‑oriented mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics, risk management, and market trends.
Why Join Us?
At Foodbuy, we’re committed to driving innovation and delivering exceptional value for our clients. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, lead a talented team, and shape the future of our category strategy. Ready to take the next step? Apply today and help us transform the way we deliver value to our clients.
Category Manager in Chertsey employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Chertsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Category Development Manager. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions until you feel like a superstar.
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Chertsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Development Manager role. Highlight your strategic category management experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to deliver growth and cost savings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to demonstrate your understanding of procurement strategies and how you can contribute to our team at Foodbuy.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a high-performing team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily keep track of your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of category management, especially in the food procurement sector. Familiarise yourself with current market trends, key suppliers, and innovative practices that can drive cost savings and value for clients.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading high-performing teams. Share specific examples of how you've developed team members and driven results. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across functions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to negotiate terms or manage supplier relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've delivered growth and cost savings in previous roles. Bring data or examples that illustrate your impact on financial targets, and show your understanding of supply chain dynamics and risk management.
