At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Pastry category, driving strategy and supplier relationships for growth.
- Company: A leading fine food distributor based in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55k, bonus potential, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of the pastry industry, shaping trends and driving success.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in food distribution with strong commercial acumen and supplier management 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 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 employer: French Resources
Join a leading fine food distributor in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. As a Pastry Category Lead, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team environment. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to staying ahead of market trends, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact in the food distribution industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Category Lead | Strategy, Growth & Supplier Mastery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss market trends and your insights on the Pastry category during interviews. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastry Category Lead | Strategy, Growth & Supplier Mastery
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 our needs, 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 growth. We love seeing personality, so let your enthusiasm for the role come through.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to highlight any relevant experience with data analysis or market trends. We want to know how you’ve used insights to make impactful decisions in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother 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. 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 expert in the field.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss how you've driven profitability and growth in previous roles. Use specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or improved product ranges. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the company's commercial objectives.
✨Highlight Your Cross-Functional Experience
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, be ready to share experiences where you've worked alongside sales, marketing, or supply chain teams. Discuss how you’ve contributed to successful projects and how you can bring that collaborative spirit to their team.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Given the emphasis on analytics in this role, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to inform decisions. Whether it's through Excel or ERP systems, being able to present your analytical skills will set you apart as a strong candidate.
