At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive the Pastry category's commercial performance and strategy while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Leading fine food distributor based in London with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55k, bonus, car allowance, medical insurance, and pension.
- 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 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 Slough 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 a car allowance and medical insurance, 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 Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food distribution industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase 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. Use specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate how you’ve driven category performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on common interview questions related to category management and be ready to discuss your approach to risk management and profitability. Practising your answers can help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨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 Category Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in the food distribution industry, especially in Pastry & Bakery. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven profitability and improved supplier relationships in your previous roles. We love a good success story!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about the Pastry category and how your commercial acumen can help us stay ahead of market trends. Let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 category. Understand current market trends, popular products, and emerging flavours. 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 examples of how you've driven profitability in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented, how you managed supplier relationships, and any successful negotiations you've led. 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, think of instances where you've worked with Sales, Marketing, or Supply Chain. Share how you’ve contributed to product positioning or promotions, as well as how you ensured compliance with quality standards.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the Pastry category. Prepare to discuss how you've used data analysis to inform decisions and improve processes in past roles. Showing that you can leverage data effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
