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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support supplier negotiations and manage data to drive growth and savings.
- 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 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
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
- 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.
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Category Assistant Buyer employer: Foodbuy
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Assistant 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. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Assistant Category Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Foodbuy’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to our goals. Tailor your answers to reflect our values and mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Assistant Category Buyer, you’ll be involved in supplier negotiations. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the Foodbuy team and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Category Buyer role. Highlight any relevant experience with suppliers or data analysis, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the 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 background aligns with our goals at Foodbuy. Keep it engaging and personal, so we can get to know you better.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves managing complex data, make sure to mention any specific tools or methods you’ve used in the past. We want to see how you approach data analysis and decision-making!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from 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
Negotiating improved commercial terms is a key part of this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or stakeholders. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes you achieved.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with the food procurement landscape and the role of suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors. Being able to discuss current trends or challenges in the industry will show that you're engaged and knowledgeable about the field.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles and how you plan to engage with various teams at Foodbuy.
