Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for food, non-food, and packaging suppliers across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join En Route, a global leader in passenger solutions and food services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, medical insurance, and 25 days off.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in the food supply chain.
- Qualifications: Experience in food and beverage procurement with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours, company bonus scheme, and social events to connect with colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
We are hiring a Category Buying Manager (Maternity Cover) in Windsor, UK. The position offers up to £65,000 per annum on a full-time, 15-month fixed-term contract.
Who are we? We are En Route, a welcoming team with a down-to-earth outlook that helps build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike. As global specialists in passenger solutions, supply chain services, and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, we operate globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers. En Route's expertise is one of the many reasons why we have enjoyed more than 20 years as a global food solutions partner, with offices in the UK, USA, Australia, and UAE.
Our Values:
- Birthday day off
- 25 days off a year
- Company bonus scheme
- Hybrid Working (3 days in office)
- Medical Insurance
- Referral Scheme
- Social Events
- Flexi Time
Job Purpose:
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will manage the procurement of agreed food, non-food, and/or packaging and services suppliers for the UK and Europe. Taking a category management approach, you will support the Head of Procurement in developing and implementing the procurement strategy for the UK & Europe, creating a supply base fit for purpose in meeting En Route's growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work with the Head of Procurement in developing and implementing a clear supply base strategy to deliver En Route's requirements in the UK & Europe, aligned with the global strategy.
- Manage the UK & European supply base on a day-to-day basis ensuring all relationships, commercials, and opportunities are complete and delivered.
- Negotiate and manage contracts and terms with suppliers.
- Identify, implement, and monitor opportunities to improve cost savings, project deliverables, and supplier selection, reporting progress on a regular basis.
- Collaborate with Product Development and Supply Chain teams to support the creation of innovative product solutions and their distribution in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
- Manage the supplier listing and start-up process, category reporting, and category action plans.
- Take a proactive approach in understanding the markets in which En Route operates, identifying procurement opportunities and risks, and taking appropriate and timely action in coordination with the P&SC Director.
- Work closely with the Supply Chain teams to ensure terms and conditions agreed with suppliers support the maintenance of excellent product availability, ensuring strong levels of customer service.
Knowledge & Experience:
- Experienced Food & Beverage Procurement professional.
- Experience of buying packaging and non-food categories.
- Good knowledge of the UK and/or European supply markets.
- A strong negotiator with demonstrated ability to develop and manage sustainable supplier relationships.
- Comfortable with the negotiation, development, and management of supplier contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks across food and non-food categories.
- Evidence of strong collaboration with other functions.
- Ability to travel as needed.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Education & Skills:
Educated to degree level preferred.
Category Buying Manager (Maternity Cover) employer: En Route International
Contact Detail:
En Route International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buying Manager (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Category Buying Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching En Route and understanding their values and operations. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in food and beverage procurement. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for our culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buying Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at En Route. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buying Manager (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in food and beverage procurement, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills and supplier relationship management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for En Route. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description and show us your passion for the industry.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved cost savings or enhanced supplier relationships in previous positions.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at En Route International
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the food and non-food categories relevant to the role. Understand current market trends, key suppliers, and any recent changes in the industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Highlight how you managed supplier relationships and achieved cost savings. Being able to articulate your negotiation strategies will demonstrate your capability as a strong Category Buying Manager.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since the role involves working closely with Product Development and Supply Chain teams, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with other departments in previous roles. Share examples of how teamwork led to innovative solutions or improved processes, showcasing your ability to work cross-functionally.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about En Route's procurement strategy and how they envision the role contributing to their growth objectives. This shows that you're not just focused on getting the job, but also on understanding how you can add value to the company.
