At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales and profitability in foodservice.
- Company: Join a leading UK foodservice business with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to mentor and develop junior team members.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising category performance and building strong supplier partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management or Buying within FMCG, wholesale, or foodservice.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Category Manager with a background in foodservice or wholesale?
Do you enjoy developing category strategies that drive sales, margin and customer value?
Are you commercially minded, data-driven and confident building strong supplier partnerships?
MacGregor Black are partnering with a leading UK foodservice business on the search for a Category Manager - Foodservice. This is a permanent role based in Huddersfield.
Reporting into the senior category leadership team, you will take ownership of a portfolio, developing and executing category strategies that maximise sales, profitability and customer value across a national foodservice operation.
This is a broad commercial role combining category strategy, supplier management, pricing, promotions and range optimisation. You'll work cross-functionally with Buying, Marketing, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to deliver category growth while building strong supplier relationships and securing commercial investment.
You'll also play an important role in developing junior members of the category team and driving continuous improvement across the function.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver category strategies that drive sales, margin and long-term growth.
- Build strong supplier relationships and lead Joint Business Planning activity.
- Manage category ranging, pricing and assortment to optimise customer choice and profitability.
- Negotiate supplier funding for promotions, marketing activity and commercial initiatives.
- Analyse market trends, customer insight and commercial performance to identify growth opportunities.
- Deliver seasonal plans, promotional programmes and category launches across the business.
- Develop a balanced branded and own-label proposition to maximise commercial performance.
- Monitor promotional effectiveness, forecasting accuracy and category KPIs.
- Work collaboratively across commercial, marketing, supply chain and operational teams.
- Support and mentor Category Assistants, helping to develop capability across the team.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience within Category Management, Buying or Commercial roles in FMCG, wholesale or foodservice.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience developing and delivering category strategies.
- Excellent supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Experience managing pricing, promotions, range reviews and category performance.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to turn data into commercial decisions.
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Highly organised with excellent project management skills.
- Passion for delivering continuous improvement and commercial growth.
Salary c £55k
For more information, please contact Alice Redmond.
Category Manager in Huddersfield employer: MacGregor Black
MacGregor Black is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment in our Newcastle & Leeds offices. We prioritise employee growth through tailored development programmes and a meritocratic bonus structure, ensuring that your hard work is recognised and rewarded. Join us to become an expert in the recruitment industry while enjoying significant benefits and a supportive culture that fosters long-term career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Huddersfield
✨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 MacGregor Black.
✨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 MacGregor Black!
✨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 MacGregor Black, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at MacGregor Black, 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 MacGregor Black.
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 MacGregor Black. 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 MacGregor Black. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨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 MacGregor Black’s mission.
