At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the protein category, driving growth and innovation in food procurement.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, the UK's leading food procurement organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a focus on sustainability.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape a high-impact category and work with top industry suppliers.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Category Manager or Senior Buyer with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Chertsey & London
Salary: Competitive
Foodbuy is the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, managing over £2.5bn of spend and supporting a diverse range of foodservice and hospitality clients. We combine scale, data and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding value, innovation and sustainable sourcing solutions.
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we work directly with manufacturers, growers and suppliers of all sizes, delivering best-in-class procurement expertise across the UK & Ireland.
We’re now looking for a Protein Category Manager to join our Food team, leading one of our most high-profile and commercially critical categories.
The Role
This is a key strategic role where you’ll take ownership of the protein category (including meat, poultry, fish and seafood), shaping and delivering long-term category strategies that drive growth, value and innovation. You’ll lead supplier strategy, commercial negotiations and contract delivery, while working closely with culinary teams, sustainability experts and key stakeholders across the business. With a focus on sustainability, provenance and responsible sourcing, you’ll play a pivotal role in influencing product development, improving supply chains and delivering best value for clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a long-term category strategy across protein, driving improvements in cost, quality, service and innovation
- Lead supplier relationships, identifying new partners and building strong, strategic collaborations
- Deliver commercial targets, including inflation mitigation, value generation and volume growth
- Lead negotiations and contract renewals, securing sustainable commercial terms
- Build robust pricing and cost models across the supply base
- Ensure compliance with food safety, sustainability and quality standards
- Collaborate with chefs and culinary teams to support menu and product development
- Work closely with sustainability teams to drive carbon reduction and animal welfare initiatives
- Evaluate tenders and make recommendations based on commercial, technical and supply considerations
- Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities to enhance value
- Support internal stakeholders including sales, bids and account teams
- Represent Foodbuy at industry events and communicate market trends across the business
About You
- Currently operating as a Category Manager or Senior Category Buyer, ready to step into a more strategic role
- Strong commercial mindset, with experience delivering against stretching targets
- Proven ability to negotiate and influence suppliers at a senior level
- Highly analytical, confident working with data to inform decisions
- Passionate about sustainability, responsible sourcing and animal welfare
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, able to build credibility across the business
- Organised, resilient and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead and inspire others
Why Join Foodbuy?
- Own and shape a high-impact, business-critical category
- Work with leading suppliers and industry partners
- Play a key role in delivering sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives
- Be part of a high-performing, collaborative procurement function
- Excellent career development within a market-leading organisation
Category Development Manager employer: Foodbuy
Foodbuy, as part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, offers an exceptional work environment for a Category Development Manager in Chertsey & London. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, while working with leading suppliers in the food procurement sector. The company prioritises employee engagement and offers competitive salaries, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Development Manager
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Foodbuy.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Foodbuy!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Foodbuy, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Foodbuy, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Foodbuy, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Foodbuy.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Foodbuy. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Foodbuy. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Foodbuy’s mission.
