At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive the Pastry category's strategy and profitability while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Leading fine food distributor based in London with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55k, bonus, car allowance, and medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of the Pastry category and driving growth.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in food distribution, strong commercial acumen, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 € per year.
A London based fine food distributor is looking for a Category Manager who will own the commercial performance of the Pastry category, driving strategy, profitability, supplier relationships, risk management, and long-term growth. Acting as the subject matter expert, the Category Manager will ensure the business stays ahead of market trends, regulations, and customer expectations. This is a senior, hands-on role requiring strong commercial acumen, product expertise, supplier management, and cross-functional leadership. The Category Manager for Pastry reports to the Head of Categories and manages a team of up to three direct reports.
ROLE of the Category Manager:
- Category Management & Development: Supporting and delivering the Pastry category strategy in line with overall commercial objectives; Monitoring market trends, pricing, and seasonality to inform decisions; Identifying range improvements and new product opportunities; Building business cases using data and analysis; Managing supplier review schedules and performance feedback.
- Supplier Engagement & Commercial Support: Building strong supplier relationships and supporting commercial negotiations; Monitoring supplier KPIs and driving performance improvements; Coordinating supplier visits, product reviews, and training.
- Financial & Operational Contribution: Supporting margin performance through cost control and pricing accuracy; Contributing to demand planning and stock management; Maintaining accurate product and pricing data in ERP systems.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Sustainability teams; Supporting Sales with product knowledge and insights; Partnering with Marketing on promotions and product positioning; Ensuring product quality and compliance standards are met.
- Process Improvement: Identifying opportunities to improve processes and data accuracy; Supporting system and automation initiatives; Contributing to Sales Management meetings with insights and recommendations.
PROFILE:
Minimum of 3 years’ manager experience in food distribution industry with a comprehensive knowledge of the Pastry & Bakery industry both locally and internationally. Organised with an excellent eye for detail, proven ability to handle large amounts of information to translate into clear, specific instructions and targets. A commercially driven mindset is a must with an entrepreneurial attitude towards pursuit of goals. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Knowledge on UK P.O.A.O import regulations a plus. A dynamic individual with experience in dealing with multiple suppliers. Able to build strong relationships, both externally and internally, influence decisions with leadership. Strong analytical and presentation skills is a must with proven experience using Excel, PowerPoint and ERP systems. French will be a plus.
SALARY & BENEFITS: Up to £55k/y negotiable according to skills and experience + Bonus; Car allowance; Medical insurance, pension, etc.
Category Manager in London employer: French Resources
As a leading fine food distributor based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel. The Category Manager role offers not only competitive salary and benefits, including medical insurance and a pension plan, but also significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a collaborative environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and excellence in the Pastry category.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their Pastry category and come armed with insights on market trends. We want you to show them you’re not just a candidate, but the perfect fit for driving their strategy and profitability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in supplier management and cross-functional collaboration. We suggest you highlight specific examples where you’ve driven performance improvements or identified new product opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Category Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in the food distribution industry, especially with Pastry & Bakery, and showcase your commercial acumen and supplier management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the Pastry category and how your previous experiences align with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your analytical skills and any relevant market insights.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive profitability and manage supplier relationships. Use numbers and data where possible to back up your claims!
Apply Through Our Website:We love it when candidates apply directly through our website! It helps us keep track of applications better. Plus, you’ll get to see more about our company culture and values while you’re at it.
How to prepare for a job interview at French Resources
✨Know Your Pastry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the pastry and bakery industry. Understand current market trends, key suppliers, and any recent innovations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential subject matter expert.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss how you've driven profitability in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've managed supplier relationships or improved product ranges. Use data to back up your claims, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think about times when you've worked with different teams, like Sales or Marketing. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve collaborated to achieve common goals. This will highlight your leadership skills and ability to influence others, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the company's future plans for the pastry category or how they measure success in supplier relationships. It shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework.
