At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing for fresh produce, ensuring quality and innovation in our offerings.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming the fresh produce market.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a game-changing strategy that impacts customer experience and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in procurement or supply chain, with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Role
As the International Category Manager for Fresh Produce (PHF), you will play a pivotal role in driving our ambitious 2026+ "Refresh" strategy. You will own the end-to-end sourcing execution for a designated sub-category of fresh produce, ensuring we scale our menu and deliver unmatched freshness, variety, and value to our customers. Anchored in our PHF vision—to source Produce that meets customer expectations of quality & convenience at the best cost—you will leverage data to execute flawlessly, assure supply, and bring innovation to our boxes. This role requires strong independent execution, a passion for operational excellence, and the ability to thrive in a high-growth environment.
What You'll Do
- Drive Value & Innovation: Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities through rigorous cost modeling and static pricing accuracy. Champion New Ingredient Development (NID) at the sub-category level to unlock variety and expand customer choice.
- Execute "Direct-to-Grower": Support our supply chain transformation by onboarding and scaling Direct-to-Grower models and utilizing central cross-docking platforms to accelerate speed-to-market.
- Build Trust & Partnerships: Foster transparent, collaborative relationships with external suppliers. Internally, act as a true "One Team" player by working hand-in-hand with FSQA (Food Safety & Quality Assurance) and SCO (Supply Chain Operations) to ensure seamless quality and operational efficiency.
- Manage Risk Proactively: Take deep ownership of seasonality planning. Manage shoulder-season risks and proactively mitigate day-to-day agricultural and climate-related disruptions to assure consistent supply.
- Track Performance & Data: Monitor supplier performance against key KPIs (Quality, OTIF, Cost) and lead regular review meetings. Maintain accurate market data and systems information (e.g., Coupa).
- Resolve Supply Issues: Act as the first point of escalation for severe supply or quality issues, working urgently with SCO and suppliers to prevent any negative impact on the customer experience.
- Champion Our "People" Culture: Demonstrate a relentless thirst for knowledge, continuously learning about the agricultural landscape, and collaborating actively across the PHF matrix.
What You'll Bring
- Experience: 3–5 years of progressive experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, ideally within fresh produce, FMCG, or grocery retail.
- Analytical Rigor: Strong proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau). You can build robust cost models and are highly comfortable making decisions based on complex data.
- Negotiation Skills: Proven experience negotiating commercial terms, pricing, and service level agreements with suppliers.
- Agility & Resilience: A high tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to pivot quickly in a fast-paced, highly operational environment.
- Communication: Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams (Quality, Operations, Culinary) without direct authority.
To be considered for this role, you’ll need to have the independent right to work in the UK, as we’re unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship at this time.
Hybrid Working Policy
We offer a hybrid working policy for eligible roles, allowing flexibility to work from home and in the office. For more details on eligibility and how this applies to the role you’re applying for, please consult with your recruiter.
International Category Manager employer: HelloFresh
As an International Category Manager at our company, you will be part of a dynamic team that champions innovation and operational excellence in the fresh produce sector. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values transparency and continuous learning, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a hybrid working policy and a commitment to sourcing quality produce, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions directly impact customer satisfaction and business success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Category Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like HelloFresh.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace International Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to HelloFresh:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to HelloFresh. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like HelloFresh.
How to prepare for a job interview at HelloFresh
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at HelloFresh!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at HelloFresh. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into HelloFresh's culture.
