At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic development and performance of food categories in a dynamic procurement environment.
- Company: Top-tier procurement business serving renowned UK hospitality and foodservice brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £110K plus benefits, hybrid work model, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a leading company where your expertise can drive innovation and impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Senior procurement experience in foodservice or hospitality, with strong negotiation and leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing.
The predicted salary is between 79200 - 110000 £ per year.
My client is a leading procurement business who supply some of the most well-known businesses in UK hospitality and Foodservice. They are currently looking for a Food Category Development Director to join their team. The successful candidate will lead the strategic development and commercial performance of all their food categories, owning end-to-end category strategy across core & specialist food categories, driving value for their clients through supplier partnerships, market intelligence, and innovative procurement strategies.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop and execute the category strategy across all food categories.
- Lead supplier sourcing, negotiation, and contract management to deliver best value and quality.
- Manage and develop a team of category managers and buyers.
- Build strategic supplier relationships and lead joint business planning.
- Use market insights and commodity analysis to inform pricing and procurement strategies.
- Collaborate with commercial and client teams to support client retention and growth.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities, product innovation, and supply chain efficiencies.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing standards.
- Monitor category performance, margins, and KPIs.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Senior level procurement experience within foodservice, hospitality, retail, or F&B distribution.
- Strong supplier negotiation and contract management skills.
- Proven experience managing multiple food categories.
- Leadership experience managing procurement/category teams.
- Commercially driven with strong financial acumen.
- Strong stakeholder management and client-facing experience.
If you are keen to discuss the details further, please apply today or send your CV to Mikey at COREcruitment dot com.
Food Director in Slough employer: COREcruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
COREcruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Director in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Food Category Development Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in supplier relationships and procurement strategies. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your value proposition as a Food Category Development Director. We suggest rehearsing answers to common interview questions and preparing examples of your past successes in category management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and mentioning something specific from the conversation to keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Director in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Food Category Development Director role. Highlight your procurement experience and any leadership roles you've held in foodservice or hospitality.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for food procurement and how your strategic vision can drive value for our clients.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes in previous roles. Whether it's cost savings, supplier negotiations, or team management, we want to see how you've made an impact in your past positions.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the food categories you'll be managing. Research current trends, key suppliers, and market dynamics. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to driving value for clients.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to supplier sourcing and contract management. Highlight how your strategies have delivered best value and quality in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be prepared to talk about your experience managing teams. Share specific instances where you've developed category managers or buyers, and how you've fostered a collaborative environment. This will illustrate your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company's stance on food safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Be ready to discuss how you can ensure compliance with these standards while driving innovation and cost-saving opportunities. This alignment will resonate well with the interviewers.