At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Pastry category, driving strategy and supplier relationships for growth.
- Company: Dynamic fine food distributor based in London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55k, bonus potential, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in a thriving market.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of the pastry industry, shaping trends and driving success.
- 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. Building strong supplier relationships and supporting commercial negotiations. Monitoring supplier KPIs and driving performance improvements. Coordinating supplier visits, product reviews, and training. 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.
Pastry Category Lead | Strategy, Growth & Supplier Mastery 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 encourages innovation and collaboration. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment that values expertise and creativity in the Pastry category. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that is dedicated to excellence and staying ahead of market trends.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Category Lead | Strategy, Growth & Supplier Mastery in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food distribution industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your knowledge of market trends and supplier relationships. Share specific examples of how you've driven profitability in past roles to really impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you can demonstrate your commercial acumen and analytical skills. Brush up on your Excel and presentation skills, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that dream job in the Pastry category!
We think you need these skills to ace Pastry Category Lead | Strategy, Growth & Supplier Mastery in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Pastry category and highlights your experience in food distribution. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your commercial acumen and supplier management expertise!
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 you can drive strategy and growth. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to highlight any relevant experience with data analysis or market trends. We love seeing how you’ve used insights to make informed decisions in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. 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 French Resources
✨Know Your Pastry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the pastry and bakery industry. Be prepared to discuss market trends, pricing strategies, and product innovations. This will show that you're not just familiar with the category but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that highlight your commercial mindset. Think about times when you've driven profitability or improved supplier relationships. Use data to back up your claims and demonstrate how your decisions have positively impacted previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Be ready to talk about your experience working with different teams like Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes. This role requires strong teamwork, so showing you can work well with others is key.
✨Prepare for Process Improvement Discussions
Think about past experiences where you've identified process improvements or contributed to system enhancements. Be ready to discuss how you approached these challenges and the results achieved. This will highlight your proactive attitude and problem-solving skills.
