At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Fresh, Chilled & Frozen categories while driving strategic growth.
- Company: Join Ocado Retail, the world's largest online retailer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, health perks, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Access to advanced training and development through our Commercial Academy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that shapes the future of retail.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial leadership and project management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Head of Department
Application Closing Date: Wednesday 10th June
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re also on a mission to empower our business with smart technology; we've recently launched our AI Academy, providing a tailored AI learning journey for every colleague.
About the team and the role
As Head of Category for Fresh, Chilled, and Frozen, you will lead the Chilled Prepared Foods Team, Bakery, Dairy & Frozen teams, responsible for the performance and strategic direction of these categories. You will manage a Trading Manager and the Senior Buyers within Frozen, Bakery & Dairy, as well as their respective teams. Alongside your teams, you will work closely with Supply Chain, Visual/E-commerce Merchandising, Insight, and Finance to achieve business objectives, cross‑functional change, and a best‑in‑class customer proposition. You will report to the Fresh Buying Director and, together with them, take a broad leadership role, setting strategy, defining culture, and leading specific projects and workstreams across the buying function. This role sits within the Ocado Retail Senior Leadership Group (SLG) and the Commercial Leadership Team.
What you'll do
- Commercial Accountability & Strategic Leadership
- P&L & KPI Ownership: Hold total accountability for the Chilled Prepared Foods Team, Bakery, Dairy & Frozen team P&L. Manage key business KPIs, including sales, units, margin, profitability, pricing, and promotional strategies.
- Unit Economic Focus: Drive commercial performance with a strong focus on unit economics.
- Transformation & Innovation: Land and support wide‑scale category and operating model transformations across Ocado.
- Cross‑Functional & Department Workload: Partner with other Heads of Departments to agree on trade prioritisation, budget allocation, and the delivery of large‑scale change projects. Deputise for the Buying Director when required.
- Strategy, Sourcing & Value Chain Optimisation
- Category Strategy: Own the end‑to‑end development and implementation of the category strategy.
- Sourcing & Digital Commercialisation: Lead the execution of advanced sourcing strategies, media selling strategies, category management, and e‑commerce shopper funnel optimisation.
- Value Chain Efficiency: Drive cost‑of‑goods (COGs) reductions and total value chain optimisation.
- People Management, Talent & Culture
- Talent Development Leadership: Own and drive the overall Commercial Talent Development and Engagement plans in collaboration with the People Team and other Heads of Departments.
- Coaching & Succession: Proactively drive progress of development and training plans through managers at all levels (including Trading Managers and Senior Buyers). Lead succession planning, regular performance reviews, and development sessions.
- Wider Team Role Model: Act as an exemplary role model for growth across the wider commercial department (not just your direct team) through coaching, training, and talent sponsorship.
- Negotiation & Supplier Excellence
- Complex Negotiations: Lead high‑stakes supplier negotiations to deliver improved profitability for the business, with a specific focus on resetting commercial term structures (back and front margins).
- Strategic Supplier Networks: Build collaborative, leading supplier relationships that enable Ocado to offer unrivalled value. Support your direct reports with tailored negotiation strategies for their respective categories.
- Relationship Management: Role model relationship management with M&S and its wider supplier base.
- Industry Visibility: Build clear visibility and leadership within the wider retail industry and supplier base, representing the buying team at key industry events.
- Compliance: Ensure all commercial agreements and category practices strictly adhere to Ocado policies and GSCOP guidelines.
Who you are
- Proven Commercial Leader: Deep subject knowledge and advanced commercial skills within retail buying, backed by a proven track record of breakthrough results and credibility within the supply base.
- Change & Project Management Expert: Highly experienced in leading large, strategic, cross‑functional projects and managing teams through significant organisational change and operating model transformations.
- Holistic Solution Finder: Ability to create solutions and manage complex challenges for the benefit of the whole Commercial team, rather than just optimising for one specific department or pod.
- Advanced Communicator: An accomplished, highly articulate communicator and presenter (both verbal and written) who requires minimal guidance to influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Strategic Resilience: Demonstrates immense positive resilience, maintaining big‑picture thinking and strategic clarity when navigating ambiguity or complex intra‑departmental issues.
- Values & Ambassadorship: A dedicated ambassador who embodies ORL values, actively managing, recognising, rewarding, and coaching teams toward those exact behaviours.
- Analytical & Data‑Driven: Expert in complex data analysis, balancing data insights (Excel, Tableau) and emerging AI tools with seasoned professional judgment, stakeholders, and customers alike.
Training and Development
Joining our Buying team provides access to our Commercial Academy, a comprehensive development program structured around three pillars: Buyer Induction, Specific Skills (Buying & Selling), and General Skills. You'll gain access to external, advanced training such as Negotiation, as well as courses on Understanding Suppliers and Optimising JBPs. This whole program is designed to deliver a foundational and advanced skillset across essential commercial competencies.
What’s in it for you
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail. You’ll also be part of our AI Academy, a dedicated learning journey designed to empower every colleague with the smart technology skills of the future.
Benefits
- Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market‑leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
- Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
- Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Equal Opportunities
We’re an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), we’re happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.
Head of Category - Fresh, Chilled & Frozen in Hatfield employer: Ocado Retail
At Ocado Retail, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With access to our Commercial Academy and the AI Academy, employees are empowered to develop their skills and advance their careers in a supportive environment. Our Hatfield location provides hybrid working options, competitive benefits, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category - Fresh, Chilled & Frozen in Hatfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to our mission of delivering joy in every shop.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Head of Category role. We want to hear about your achievements and how you can drive performance in Fresh, Chilled, and Frozen categories.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category - Fresh, Chilled & Frozen in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in retail buying, especially in fresh, chilled, and frozen categories. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Category, you'll be leading teams and driving strategy. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams through change and innovation.
Be Data-Driven:We love numbers! Highlight your analytical skills and any experience you have with data analysis tools. Show us how you've used data to drive commercial success in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
As the Head of Category for Fresh, Chilled, and Frozen, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of these categories. Research current trends, key competitors, and customer preferences. Be ready to discuss how you would drive performance and innovation in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing teams and leading cross-functional projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change or achieved significant results. Highlight your coaching and talent development strategies to demonstrate your commitment to nurturing talent.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Given the emphasis on complex negotiations with suppliers, be prepared to discuss your negotiation strategies. Share specific examples where you've improved profitability or built strong supplier relationships. This will show your ability to deliver value and manage high-stakes situations.
✨Communicate with Clarity and Confidence
As an advanced communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to present your ideas on category strategy and operational improvements. Use data insights to back up your points, showcasing your analytical skills and ability to influence stakeholders.
