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- Tasks: Lead the transformation of non-food categories into a growth-driven commercial engine.
- Company: Join Foodbuy Group, the UK's top food procurement organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to shape a market-leading platform.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by redefining and growing critical commercial strategies.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in non-food procurement and strong strategic thinking.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performing team within a FTSE 100 company.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
About Foodbuy Group
Foodbuy Group is the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, managing over £2bn of spend across foodservice and hospitality. Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, a FTSE 100 business, Foodbuy works with a wide range of clients to deliver expert procurement, commercial insight and sustainable value across food and non‑food categories.
Our people, partners and clients sit at the heart of everything we do. Our scale and supplier reach offer a unique platform to innovate, grow and shape markets.
Location: London/Chertsey/Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
Business Area: Foodbuy
Reporting to: Chief Commercial Officer
The Role
We are seeking an experienced SES Category Development Director to lead a step‑change in Foodbuy’s non‑food proposition across Supplies, Equipment & Services (SES). This is a senior leadership role focused on growth, expansion and reinvention. Rather than operating as a traditional category management position, the role exists to transform SES into a growth‑oriented, opportunity‑led commercial engine — broadening capability, entering new spaces and increasing relevance for clients. Operating with significant autonomy and executive‑level influence, the SES Category Development Director will bring fresh thinking, commercial ambition and renewed energy to one of Foodbuy’s most important growth platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead Foodbuy’s SES commercial strategy across supplies, equipment and services
- Drive a mindset shift from transactional procurement to growth‑led category development
- Identify and unlock new category opportunities, adjacencies and routes to market
- Expand and reposition the SES offer to deliver greater relevance, choice and value for clients
- Build a diverse supplier ecosystem, including strategic partners and SMEs
- Translate client needs into scalable, compelling SES propositions
- Strengthen strategic supplier relationships while welcoming innovation and disruption
- Work collaboratively across sourcing, category, account management and operations
- Represent Foodbuy credibly with senior clients, suppliers and industry stakeholders
- Build, mentor and energise a high‑performing SES commercial team
About You
You are a senior commercial leader who sees non‑food categories as a platform for growth, not just cost control. You are comfortable challenging legacy thinking, reframing value and creating momentum through change.
Essential Experience
- Senior commercial leadership within non‑food, indirect procurement, services or multi‑category environments
- Strong background in procurement, category or commercial strategy
- Proven success driving growth, expansion or transformation of category portfolios
- Ability to influence credibly with senior clients and suppliers
- Strong commercial judgement and strategic thinking
- Track record of building and developing high‑performing teams
Desirable Experience
- Experience within GPOs, buying groups or multi‑client environments
- Exposure to hospitality, foodservice, facilities or operational services
- Experience working with a diverse supplier base, including SMEs
Why Join Foodbuy
This is a rare opportunity to redefine and grow a critical commercial platform within a market‑leading organisation. You will shape the future of Foodbuy’s non‑food proposition, unlock new sources of value for clients and suppliers, and build a future‑ready SES team — all within the scale and stability of a FTSE 100 group.
SES Category Development Director in Chertsey employer: Foodbuy Group
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SES Category Development Director in Chertsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that SES Category Development Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on non-food categories and how you can drive growth. Make them see you as the go-to person for transforming their SES strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Foodbuy Group inside out. Understand their current SES offerings and think about how you can bring fresh ideas to the table. Confidence is key, so be ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace SES Category Development Director in Chertsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of SES Category Development Director. Highlight your experience in non-food procurement and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with our vision for growth and transformation!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive change at Foodbuy. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in category development or commercial strategy.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your ability to think strategically. We’re looking for someone who can challenge the status quo and bring fresh ideas to the table. Share instances where you've successfully influenced change or driven growth.
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Foodbuy Group's operations and their SES category. Understand their current strategies and think about how you can contribute to transforming their non-food proposition. This will show your genuine interest and help you speak their language.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior commercial leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams in the past and how you’ve driven growth or transformation in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and energising a team.
✨Think Commercially
Foodbuy is looking for someone who sees non-food categories as a growth opportunity. Come prepared with ideas on how to shift from transactional procurement to a growth-led strategy. Think about potential new category opportunities and how you would unlock them.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves working with senior clients and suppliers, be ready to discuss your experience in building and maintaining strategic relationships. Highlight any successful collaborations you've had and how you’ve navigated challenges in those partnerships.