At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow the Meat & Seafood category, driving commercial performance and innovation.
- Company: A leading premium fine food distributor serving prestigious restaurants and luxury hotels.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, performance bonus, and a dynamic hybrid work environment.
- Other info: Join a growing international business focused on innovation, quality, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-value category while fostering a collaborative team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in food distribution, strong knowledge of meat and seafood markets, and people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A leading premium fine food distributor supplying some of the UK’s most prestigious restaurants, luxury hotels and specialist retailers is looking for a dynamic and commercially driven Category Manager – Meat & Seafood to lead and grow a key product category. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who thrives on identifying opportunities, building strong supplier partnerships and driving commercial growth in a fast-paced, premium food environment.
You will take full ownership of the Meat & Seafood category, shaping strategy, managing supplier relationships and leading a team of six, while ensuring the business stays ahead of market trends, customer expectations and product innovation.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Drive the commercial performance and growth of the Meat & Seafood category
- Lead, develop and inspire a team of up to six, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture
- Build strategic supplier partnerships and support key commercial negotiations
- Identify new product opportunities, range development and market trends
- Work closely with sales, marketing, supply chain and quality teams to deliver exceptional products and service
- Manage pricing, margins, demand planning and supplier performance
- Bring fresh ideas to the category, helping to shape the future of a premium product portfolio
What We’re Looking For
- People management experience within food distribution or a related sector
- Strong knowledge of meat and seafood markets, both UK and international
- A commercially sharp and entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for premium food
- Proven ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders
- Excellent negotiation, analytical and communication skills
- Experience using ERP systems, Excel and PowerPoint
- Knowledge of UK POAO import regulations
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing international food business where innovation, quality and collaboration are at the heart of everything they do. If you’re passionate about premium food, thrive in a commercial environment and want to make a real impact in a high-value category, we’d love to hear from you.
Category Manager – Meat & Seafood in London employer: D R Newitt Recruitment
Join a pioneering food group in North East England as a Senior Development Chef, where your culinary creativity will shape the future of chilled food. With a strong focus on innovation, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that encourages exploration of new cuisines and ingredients, alongside significant resources and growth opportunities. This role not only offers competitive compensation but also the chance to influence what millions will eat, making it an exciting and rewarding place to advance your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager – Meat & Seafood in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like D R Newitt Recruitment.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from D R Newitt Recruitment!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like D R Newitt Recruitment, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at D R Newitt Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager – Meat & Seafood in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at D R Newitt Recruitment, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at D R Newitt Recruitment.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to D R Newitt Recruitment. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at D R Newitt Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at D R Newitt Recruitment
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to D R Newitt Recruitment’s mission.