At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial strategy and sourcing for Fresh Seafood, driving growth and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a major UK fresh food group with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, healthcare support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible location with regular travel to suppliers across the UK and internationally.
- Why this job: Shape the future of seafood sourcing and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Fresh Seafood buying or category management is essential.
Are you an experienced Fresh Seafood Category Manager or Senior Buyer who understands the market, knows the supply base and wants the opportunity to genuinely influence the sourcing strategy of a major UK fresh food business? We are recruiting on behalf of a large, established and growing fresh food group looking to appoint a Category Manager – Fresh Seafood to lead the commercial strategy, sourcing and continued development of a significant seafood category.
With responsibility for key species including Fresh Salmon, Haddock, Seabass, Cod and Hake, you'll lead sourcing strategy, supplier relationships and commercial performance while helping the business develop a new approach to how it works with producers.
A Role With Genuine Commercial Influence
This isn't simply about maintaining an existing supplier base. The business has ambitious growth plans and is looking to strengthen its relationships directly with producers, evolve its sourcing strategy and identify new products, suppliers and routes to market. You'll have the opportunity to challenge existing ways of working and play an important role in shaping the future direction of the category. You'll also be close to the supply market, regularly meeting producers and suppliers across the UK and internationally, including Norway, Iceland, Turkey and Scotland.
The Category Manager Role
You'll be responsible for:
- Developing and delivering the commercial strategy for Fresh Seafood
- Managing key species including Salmon, Haddock, Seabass, Cod and Hake
- Driving sales, margin, volume, availability and range growth
- Leading supplier negotiations, contracts and commercial agreements
- Developing stronger direct-to-producer sourcing relationships
- Identifying new products, suppliers and commercial opportunities
- Managing seasonal availability and mitigating supply-chain risk
- Monitoring market movements, pricing and customer demand
- Working with Supply Chain and Operations to optimise freshness, availability, waste and stock flow
- Supporting responsible sourcing and seafood sustainability standards including ASC, MSC and MCS
- Working collaboratively across Sales, Operations, Technical, Logistics and Marketing
About You
You'll already have significant buying or category experience within Fresh Seafood, with particularly strong knowledge of Fresh Salmon, Haddock and Seabass. Broader knowledge across multiple seafood species would be a significant advantage. Experience within foodservice, seafood processing, production or wholesale is particularly relevant, as is experience of working directly with producers and international supply markets.
Commercially, you'll need to demonstrate a track record of building profitable categories, negotiating effectively with suppliers and delivering measurable growth. We're also looking for the right personality. You'll be a strong, resilient and confident character who isn't afraid to tackle challenges head-on. At the same time, you'll be collaborative, emotionally intelligent and capable of building relationships at every level – from producers and operational teams through to senior leadership.
If you've reached the stage in your career where you want to do more than simply manage a category – and want the opportunity to shape strategy, influence change and deliver genuine commercial growth – this could be an excellent next move.
Package
Basic salary: £70,000, car allowance, 25% bonus based on individual and company performance
Location: Flexible UK location, with regular travel to operational sites
Travel: Regular UK and international supplier travel
A comprehensive benefits package is also available, including healthcare support, pension, and employee discounts.
Category Manager in Oxford employer: Level Up Recruitment
Join a dynamic team as a Regional Account Manager, where your ambition and drive will be rewarded in a supportive and growth-oriented environment. With a focus on building strong client relationships and delivering impactful commercial strategies, you'll enjoy the autonomy of managing your own region while receiving comprehensive training and development opportunities. This role not only offers competitive earnings potential but also the chance to work with leading automotive dealer groups across the UK, making it an exciting place for those looking to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Oxford
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Level Up Recruitment.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Level Up Recruitment!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Level Up Recruitment, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Level Up Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Level Up Recruitment, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Level Up Recruitment.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Level Up Recruitment. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Level Up Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Level Up Recruitment
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Level Up Recruitment’s mission.
