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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, dynamic team environment, and the chance to shape national strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Beers & Spirits sector with a ÂŁ60m managed spend.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Beers & Spirits, excellent commercial acumen, and supplier management experience.
- Other info: Embrace innovation and sustainability while working in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview: Category Development Manager – Beers & Spirits. 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. 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:
- 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 employer: Foodbuy Group
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the Beers & Spirits industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land that interview, make sure to highlight your experience in supplier management and contract negotiation. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven commercial success in previous roles. We want to see that passion for the industry shine through!
✨Research, Research, Research
Before any interview, do your homework on Foodbuy and its position in the market. Understand their clients and competitors, and think about how you can contribute to their growth strategy. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company’s success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining Foodbuy and being part of our dynamic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Development Manager. Highlight your experience in the Beers & Spirits sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves translating data into actionable insights, be sure to include examples of how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions or improve performance. Numbers speak volumes!
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 get you on the path to joining our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy 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 will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your analytical skills when discussing how to drive growth in this category.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight any negotiations or contract deliveries that resulted in significant value for your previous employers. This will illustrate your commercial acumen and ability to deliver against targets.
✨Bring Data to Life
Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in your previous roles. Think about instances where you translated complex data into actionable insights. This will resonate well with the role's requirement for strong analytical skills and market-driven insights.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Team Success
Foodbuy values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you’ve embraced diverse thinking and helped others grow, showcasing your positive attitude and collaborative spirit.
