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- Tasks: Lead supplier relationships and drive performance in a key category.
- Company: Join Gousto, a fast-growing recipe box company on a mission to change dinner time.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working with passionate people.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management and strong data skills.
- Other info: Inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and be themselves.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company Description
Here at Gousto, we are on a mission to become the UK's most loved way to eat dinner, and for every meal to leave the planet better off. Gousto is changing how people shop, cook and eat food at home. It’s an incredibly exciting time to join our team - and we’re a friendly bunch. We’re proud to be one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK. Powered by data and a love of food, we’re a recipe box company that’s disrupting the sector, and we’re passionate about our diverse team and our customers. All of our people are responsible for the success of Gousto, and we’re passionate about creating an inclusive environment for all to thrive. Our guiding values - Dream, Deliver and Care - show our commitment to innovation, our ambition to hit goals at speed, and our deep respect for the people we work with.
Job Description
Role: Category Buyer
Location: Warrington, Spalding or London, Hybrid (1-or-2 days per week in office)
Contract Type: Permanent
We’re looking for a talented and commercially savvy Category Buyer to join our Buying team. This role offers the chance to take ownership of a key category, working at the heart of Gousto's supply chain to deliver value for customers and the business. As Category Buyer, you’ll lead supplier relationships, negotiate commercial terms, and drive performance across your area. Working cross-functionally with teams including Food Technical, Demand Planning and Culinary, you’ll ensure we deliver high-quality, cost-effective ingredients that power our recipe innovation. This is a fantastic opportunity to have a real impact, bringing your expertise to one of the UK’s fastest-growing food brands.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead and implement category strategies aligned with commercial goals
- Own supplier relationships and performance, including negotiation and tender activity
- Analyse category trends, cost drivers and market dynamics to inform decisions
- Model commercial and performance data to evaluate opportunities and risks
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product launches, supplier transitions and quality initiatives
- Ensure legal, technical and sustainability standards are met across your supply base
- Partner with Demand Planning to manage supplier capacity and forecasts
- Proactively identify risks or issues and recommend mitigation actions
- Communicate confidently and clearly across internal teams and with external suppliers
Who You Are:
- Commercially minded, with experience in procurement, sourcing or category management
- Confident working with data to model costs and performance, and identify actionable insights
- An excellent communicator and negotiator, able to build rapport and influence stakeholders
- Strong at managing multiple priorities and planning ahead to deliver results
- Proactive, organised and detail-oriented, with a drive to continuously improve
- Comfortable working independently and owning decisions within your area
- A true team player who collaborates effectively across departments
- Passionate about great food and great sourcing
Additional Information
Benefits: Click here to see our company benefits
Interview Process: Call with a Talent Acquisition Partner, Hiring Manager Interview, Technical/Competency Interview
Gousto is for everyone: Whether it’s creating diversity in our recipes or building new teams, we care about our people and the opportunities they have at Gousto. Across our business, we lead with inclusivity and strive for equity in all we do; working hard to ensure Gousto is an environment where you can be totally yourself. Everyone is welcome, and we’re looking for applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but wondering if you tick every box? We recommend applying anyway so that we can review your profile.
For our roles outside of Operations, most of our people spend 1 or 2 days in our offices every week, combining the benefits of flexibility and time together with colleagues. We want to enable you to do your best work, and if you require additional flexibility, please talk to us about it. If you have a disability that you’re worried will affect you during the interview process, please let us know and we will do our best to help you feel comfortable. We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please let us know.
Employee Type: FTE - Full Time
Division: Buying
Category Buyer in Spalding employer: Gousto
Contact Detail:
Gousto Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Spalding
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Gousto! Research the company’s mission and values, especially their focus on sustainability and inclusivity. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Gousto employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Category Buyer. Be ready to discuss your negotiation skills and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Gousto and ready to contribute to their mission of making dinner better for everyone.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Spalding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about what inspires you in the culinary world and how that connects to Gousto's mission. We want to see your enthusiasm for great sourcing and innovative recipes.
Be Data-Driven: As a Category Buyer, you'll need to be comfortable with data. In your application, highlight any experience you have with analysing trends or modelling costs. Show us how you've used data to make informed decisions in the past – it’ll really make you stand out!
Communicate Clearly: Strong communication skills are key for this role. Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills – they’re super important for building supplier relationships!
Apply Through Our Website: We’d love for you to apply directly 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 keen on joining our team at Gousto. Don’t hesitate – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gousto
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the category you'll be managing. Understand current trends, key suppliers, and market dynamics. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved great results. Be ready to discuss your approach to building supplier relationships and how you handle tough conversations. This is crucial for a Category Buyer, so make it count!
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Brush up on your data analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with modelling costs and performance metrics, as this will resonate well with Gousto's focus on data-driven strategies.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Gousto values teamwork, so come armed with examples of how you've successfully collaborated across departments. Discuss how you’ve worked with technical teams or culinary experts to drive product launches or quality initiatives. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a cross-functional environment.