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- Tasks: Support supplier negotiations and manage data to drive procurement success.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a leading procurement organisation within Compass Group UK & Ireland.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to large-scale operations and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable sourcing while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Analytical mindset with strong communication skills; experience with suppliers is a plus.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on delivering value for clients and the planet.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Assistant Category Buyer
London / Chertsey
Foodbuy UK&I – Commercial Team
Full-time | Grade E
Join one of the UK’s leading procurement organisations and play a key role in shaping the future of strategic sourcing.
Foodbuy is the procurement arm of Compass Group UK & Ireland, managing over £2bn in annual spend across food and non-food categories — with ambitious plans to grow by another £1bn in the coming years. We work with an extensive network of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to deliver exceptional value, quality, and sustainability for our clients.
We’re now looking for an Assistant Category Buyer to join our Commercial Team and support the delivery of procurement synergies and commercial value across Foodbuy’s member and GPO businesses.
About the Role
As an Assistant Category Buyer, you’ll play an important part in supporting our supplier and category teams to deliver growth and savings across Foodbuy’s food, retail, and SES categories. You’ll work across a range of projects — from securing improved commercial terms and rebates, to tracking supplier performance and identifying opportunities for added value.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting supplier negotiations to secure improved commercial terms and manufacturer rebates.
- Working with finance and category teams to identify switching opportunities and track performance.
- Managing and analysing data across Foodbuy members and GPOs to support commercial decision-making.
- Producing process plans, reports, and documentation to support project delivery and implementation.
- Collaborating with stakeholders across Category, Sales, CBM, Finance, and Commercial Pricing teams.
- Assisting with the tracking and management of supplier contracts and group over-riders.
About You
We’re looking for a commercially minded and analytical individual who’s eager to develop their career in procurement within a fast-paced, market-leading organisation.
You’ll bring:
- Experience working with suppliers, wholesalers, or distributors across multiple categories (desirable).
- Strong commercial awareness with a passion for driving value and results.
- Solid analytical skills and the ability to interpret and manage complex data.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging stakeholders at all levels.
- A proactive, organised, and adaptable approach with a keen eye for detail.
Why Join Foodbuy?
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, a FTSE 100 organisation, you’ll gain exposure to large-scale procurement operations, opportunities to grow your career, and the chance to make a real impact in a business that’s shaping the future of sustainable sourcing.
Be part of a team that delivers real value — for our clients, our suppliers, and the planet.
Assistant Category Buyer employer: Foodbuy
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at Foodbuy or similar companies. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them — you never know who might help you land that Assistant Category Buyer role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common procurement scenarios. Think about how you would handle supplier negotiations or data analysis. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Whether it's tracking performance or identifying opportunities, demonstrating your ability to manage complex data will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Foodbuy team and contributing to their mission of delivering exceptional value and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Category Buyer role. Highlight relevant experience with suppliers and your analytical skills, as these are key for us at Foodbuy. 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 procurement and how your skills align with our goals. Show us your enthusiasm for driving results and making an impact in sustainable sourcing.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves managing complex data, make sure to highlight any experience you have with data analysis. Whether it's through projects or previous roles, we want to see how you've used data to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Category Buyer, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. Bring examples of how you’ve tracked performance or identified opportunities for savings.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated terms or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes, as this will demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to drive value.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Communication is crucial when working with various teams. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your influencing skills and how you’ve managed to get buy-in from others on projects.
✨Be Proactive and Organised
The fast-paced environment at Foodbuy requires a proactive approach. Share examples of how you've managed multiple projects or tasks simultaneously. Discuss your organisational strategies and how they helped you stay on top of deadlines and deliverables.
