Category Manager

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

As Category Development Manager, you will:

• 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

• 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.