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- Tasks: Lead the strategic development of the Beers & Spirits category and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, the UK's leading food procurement organisation within a FTSE 100 company.
- Benefits: Excellent career development pathways, dynamic team environment, and the chance to shape national strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Beers & Spirits sector while working with top brands.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Beers & Spirits, excellent commercial acumen, and analytical skills.
- Other info: Embrace collaboration and sustainability in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London (with travel to client & supplier sites)
Business Area: Foodbuy
Join Foodbuy – The UK's Leading Food Procurement Organisation. Foodbuy is a market‑leading procurement organisation with over £2bn of managed spend, supporting some of the UK's biggest foodservice and hospitality clients. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we combine scale, expertise, and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding commercial value and innovative solutions for our clients.
We are now looking for a skilled and commercially driven Category Development Manager (Beers & Spirits) to take ownership of a strategic, high‑profile category with a managed spend of approximately £60m, contributing to a wider £126m portfolio. Alcoholic beverages play a vital role across our client base — from independent pubs to major stadiums and well‑known public venues. This role is ideal for someone with industry experience who can hit the ground running.
The Role
- Lead strategic development of the Beers & Spirits category, creating a robust three‑year growth and income plan.
- Manage supplier and contract relationships, including quarterly business reviews and performance oversight.
- Develop market‑driven insights and use competitor data to strengthen Foodbuy's market position.
- Drive supply chain performance, ensuring contracted manufacturers deliver against service expectations.
- Identify commercial opportunities that enhance client value and category performance.
- Work closely with internal teams across retail, commercial and supply chain.
- Support new business bids, mobilisations and operational projects within the sector.
- Travel to client and supplier sites as required.
What We're Looking For
Experience & Knowledge
- Strong background in the Beers & Spirits sector.
- Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to deliver against stretching targets.
- Proven experience in supplier management, negotiation and complex contract delivery.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Experience managing multiple projects with cross‑functional teams.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, pressurised environment.
- Passion for sustainability and supporting CSR objectives.
Your Behaviours & Leadership Style
- Sets high standards and champions quality.
- Takes responsibility and drives priorities effectively.
- Embraces collaboration, diverse thinking and ethical working.
- Influences effectively and challenges constructively.
- Brings energy, positivity and a "can‑do" approach.
- Helps others grow and celebrates team success.
Why Join Foodbuy?
Joining Foodbuy means becoming part of a dynamic team at the heart of a FTSE 100 organisation. Here, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Shape strategy for a major category with national impact.
- Build relationships with leading brands and suppliers.
- Deliver commercial success for a wide range of clients.
- Access excellent career development pathways within Compass Group.
- Work in a business that values innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
If you're commercially driven, passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry, and eager to influence a high‑profile category within one of the UK's most respected procurement organisations, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of Beers & Spirits at Foodbuy.
Category Manager in London employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know in the Beers & Spirits sector, the better your chances of landing that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Foodbuy and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth strategy. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Foodbuy team and making an impact in the Beers & Spirits category.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in the Beers & Spirits sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves translating data into actionable insights, make sure to include examples of how you've used analytics in past roles. We’re keen to see how you can drive supply chain performance and enhance client value.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Beers & Spirits sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market dynamics. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to Foodbuy's strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts in the past. Highlight your ability to deliver against targets and how your analytical skills have led to actionable insights. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but a potential game-changer.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Teamwork
Foodbuy values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in previous roles. Share stories that showcase your ability to influence others and drive priorities effectively, as well as how you celebrate team successes.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about Foodbuy's approach to sustainability or how they measure success in the Beers & Spirits category. This shows your genuine interest in the company and its values.
