At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic development of the Beers & Spirits category and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a leading food procurement organisation within a FTSE 100 company.
- Benefits: Access excellent career development pathways and work in a dynamic team.
- Other info: Embrace innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape strategy for a major category with national impact and deliver commercial success.
- Qualifications: Strong background in the Beers & Spirits sector and excellent commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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: 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.
Category Manager employer: Foodbuy
Foodbuy is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture within the UK's leading food procurement organisation, where you can make a significant impact on a high-profile category. With a strong focus on employee growth, sustainability, and innovation, you'll have access to excellent career development pathways while collaborating with top brands and suppliers in the Beers & Spirits sector. Join us in London and be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and champions quality in everything we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know in the Beers & Spirits sector, the better your chances of landing that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Foodbuy and understanding their market position. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around supplier management and commercial opportunities. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Foodbuy and being part of their innovative team in the Beers & Spirits category.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
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 a bit of personality!
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 keen to see how you can drive supply chain performance and enhance client value.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Foodbuy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨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 will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your analytical skills when discussing insights during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight any negotiations or contract deliveries that resulted in significant value for your previous employers. This will illustrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would approach creating a three-year growth plan for the Beers & Spirits category. Think about potential commercial opportunities and how you would leverage market data to enhance client value. This shows you're not just reactive but proactive in your thinking.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Team Success
Foodbuy values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you’ve embraced diverse thinking and helped others grow, as this aligns with their leadership style and company culture.
