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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 pathways, dynamic team environment, and the chance to shape national strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Beers & Spirits industry while driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Beers & Spirits, excellent commercial acumen, and proven supplier management experience.
- Other info: Embrace innovation and sustainability in a fast-paced, collaborative 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. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we combine scale, expertise, and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding commercial value and innovative solutions for our 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
Experience & Knowledge
- 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
We’re Seeking Someone Who:
- 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 in London employer: Foodbuy Group
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨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 Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience and insights in the Beers & Spirits sector. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth or improved supplier relationships – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before any interview. Understand Foodbuy’s position in the market, their competitors, and recent trends in the Beers & Spirits category. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in joining the Foodbuy team and making an impact in the Beers & Spirits category.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in the Beers & Spirits sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves translating data into actionable insights, make sure to include examples of how you've used analytics in past roles. We’re looking for someone who can drive performance and identify commercial opportunities, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
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 knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to Foodbuy's strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver against targets and manage supplier relationships. Think about times when you've successfully negotiated contracts or identified commercial opportunities that enhanced value. This will highlight your fit for the role.
✨Bring Data to Life
Since strong analytical skills are crucial, be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Prepare to share insights from your experience that could translate into actionable strategies for Foodbuy’s Beers & Spirits category.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
Foodbuy values teamwork and ethical working. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams and influenced others positively. Share stories that reflect your leadership style and how you celebrate team success, as this aligns with their culture.
