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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in the snacks and beverages category, driving strategy and supplier negotiations.
- Company: Join a fast-growing European household brand with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-visibility role that drives revenue and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying/category management within food or retail sectors.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong cross-functional exposure and career advancement potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Central London / Hybrid (2 days working from home)
Salary: Competitive salary + bonus and package
About the Company
Our client is a well-established, fast-growing multi-site food and beverage business operating across the UK and international markets. Known for quality products, strong brand presence and a people-first culture, they operate at pace in a highly commercial environment. The business offers a collaborative, high-energy setting where procurement and category teams play a central role in driving innovation, margin improvement and strategic supplier partnerships across a large and complex area.
About the Role
We’re supporting a leading food and beverage brand in the search for a Category Buying Manager to take ownership of key food and drink categories within a high-revenue, commercially critical portfolio. This is a highly visible role responsible for driving category strategy, negotiating with strategic suppliers and working closely with internal stakeholders across operations, marketing, finance and NPD. You’ll play a key role in improving category performance, delivering strong commercial outcomes and proactively identifying opportunities to enhance range, margin and operational compliance. The role requires a hands-on, solutions-focused individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can influence across a diverse stakeholder group.
Skills and Experience Required
- Proven buying/category management experience within Food, QSR, Hospitality, or Retail environments
- Strong background managing food and/or beverage categories
- Commercially astute with strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Demonstrated ability to overcome challenges and deliver results in complex environments
- Proactive mindset with the confidence to influence internal stakeholders and suppliers
- Experience delivering category strategies, tenders and cost optimisation initiatives
- Strong analytical capability with a data-driven approach to decision making
- Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, marketing, supply chain and finance etc
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at multiple levels
Why You Should Apply
- Opportunity to own and shape high-impact, revenue-generating categories
- High-visibility role working closely with senior stakeholders
- Fast-paced, commercially driven environment where your ideas will make a difference
- Collaborative culture with strong cross-functional exposure
- Clear opportunity to drive innovation and category performance
- Hybrid working and exposure to both head office and operational environments
If you’re a proactive category or buying professional from a food, retail, hospitality, or QSR background looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
Category Buying Manager – Snacks and Beverages in London employer: Pod Talent
Contact Detail:
Pod Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buying Manager – Snacks and Beverages in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their category strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buying Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buying Manager – Snacks and Beverages in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Buying Manager. Highlight your experience in food and beverage categories, and don’t forget to showcase those negotiation skills we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this fast-paced environment. Share specific examples of how you've driven category strategies or improved margins in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: We love data-driven decision making! In your application, mention any tools or methods you’ve used to analyse category performance. This will show us you can bring a strong analytical approach to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the snacks and beverages categories. Understand current trends, key players, and market dynamics. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can drive category strategy effectively.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of past negotiations you've led, especially in food or beverage sectors. Highlight your approach, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to influence suppliers.
✨Be Ready for Cross-Functional Questions
Since this role involves working with various teams, anticipate questions about your experience collaborating with operations, marketing, and finance. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to work cross-functionally and drive results.
✨Bring Data to the Table
As a Category Buying Manager, a data-driven approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you've used analytics to inform decisions in previous roles. Share specific metrics or KPIs you've improved and how they impacted category performance.
