At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the protein category, driving growth and innovation in food procurement.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, the UK's leading food procurement organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension plan, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and responsible sourcing in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive Salary with bonus, pension plan and private healthcare
Shift hours: Full Time
Location: Chertsey & London
Foodbuy is the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, managing over 2.5bn of spend and supporting a diverse range of foodservice and hospitality clients. We combine scale, data and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding value, innovation and sustainable sourcing solutions. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we work directly with manufacturers, growers and suppliers of all sizes, delivering best-in-class procurement expertise across the UK & Ireland.
The Role
This is a key strategic role where you’ll take ownership of the protein category (including meat, poultry, fish and seafood), shaping and delivering long-term category strategies that drive growth, value and innovation. You’ll lead supplier strategy, commercial negotiations and contract delivery, while working closely with culinary teams, sustainability experts and key stakeholders across the business. With a focus on sustainability, provenance and responsible sourcing, you’ll play a pivotal role in influencing product development, improving supply chains and delivering best value for clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a long-term category strategy across protein, driving improvements in cost, quality, service and innovation
- Lead supplier relationships, identifying new partners and building strong, strategic collaborations
- Deliver commercial targets, including inflation mitigation, value generation and volume growth
- Lead negotiations and contract renewals, securing sustainable commercial terms
- Build robust pricing and cost models across the supply base
- Ensure compliance with food safety, sustainability and quality standards
- Collaborate with chefs and culinary teams to support menu and product development
- Work closely with sustainability teams to drive carbon reduction and animal welfare initiatives
- Evaluate tenders and make recommendations based on commercial, technical and supply considerations
- Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities to enhance value
- Support internal stakeholders including sales, bids
Category Development Manager - Full Time - Chertsey employer: Compass Group
At Foodbuy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Chertsey. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career advancement, all while providing competitive salaries, bonuses, and a robust benefits package including private healthcare. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainable sourcing and making a meaningful impact in the food procurement industry.
