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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and management of a £20m category in food procurement.
- Company: Join Foodbuy Group, a top UK food procurement organisation with a £2bn annual spend.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, free meals, private medical insurance, and wellness sessions.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a high-profile category and influence procurement strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management or procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical abilities required.
- Other info: This is a full-time, mid-senior level role based in Chertsey or London.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Category Development Manager — Location: Chertsey/London — Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits — Company: Foodbuy
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for procurement and a love for tea and coffee? Foodbuy, the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, is looking for a Category Development Manager to take ownership of our Hot Beverages category, managing a spend of around £30 million and shaping the future of retail procurement.
With over £2bn of managed spend, Foodbuy partners with some of the biggest names in foodservice and hospitality, delivering expert procurement solutions that save time, money, and help our clients focus on what matters most.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the Hot Beverages category: Develop and deliver a 3-year category strategy and income growth plan.
- Own supplier relationships: Manage contracts, conduct quarterly reviews, and maximise commercial value.
- Drive innovation and growth: Identify opportunities to optimise quality, margins, and supply chain compliance.
- Lead and inspire: Provide guidance and development to a Category Buyer.
- Deliver market leadership: Use data and insights to stay ahead of competitors and create value for clients.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience in buying or procurement, ideally with tea or coffee expertise.
- A world-class negotiator with strong commercial acumen.
- Skilled in project management, able to juggle multiple priorities.
- Analytical and data-driven, with the ability to turn insights into action.
- A natural leader who holds people accountable and drives results.
Why join Foodbuy?
- Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team in a business that influences the entire foodservice industry.
- Work on high-impact projects with some of the biggest names in hospitality.
- Enjoy a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and growth.
Ready to brew up success?
Apply today and help us shape the future of Hot Beverages at Foodbuy
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Category Manager employer: Foodbuy Group
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the foodservice and FMCG sectors. Understanding current market dynamics will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and category management fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven growth in previous roles. Being able to articulate your achievements will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Foodbuy Group thoroughly, including their values, mission, and recent news. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management or procurement, especially within FMCG, retail, or foodservice. Use specific examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and analytical abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the Impulse category and how you can contribute to Foodbuy Group's goals. Mention your leadership experience and ability to work cross-functionally.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise any significant achievements in previous roles, such as successful category strategies or supplier relationship management. Use metrics to quantify your impact where possible.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improvements in past positions. This will demonstrate your capability to handle complex data sets effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy Group
✨Showcase Your Category Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in category management, especially within FMCG or foodservice. Highlight specific examples where you successfully developed and implemented category strategies that led to measurable growth.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to drive decisions. Discuss any tools or methodologies you’ve employed to analyse market trends and competitor intelligence.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around negotiation skills. Prepare to share instances where you successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships, focusing on the outcomes and benefits achieved for your previous employers.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Collaboration
As a Category Manager, you'll need to lead and support a team. Be ready to talk about your leadership style and how you've fostered collaboration across different departments to achieve common goals.