At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Foodservice buying strategy and drive category growth.
- Company: Major UK wholesale and foodservice organisation with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to shape strategy.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team focused on long-term growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a high-impact leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior trading or buying roles within Foodservice or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A major UK wholesale and foodservice organisation is looking to appoint a Buying Controller – Foodservice to lead the strategic direction, commercial performance and long‑term growth of their Foodservice trading agenda. This is a high‑impact, senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping category strategy, strengthening supplier partnerships and driving a differentiated, insight‑led proposition for operators across the sector.
About the Role
Reporting to the Trading Director, you will take full ownership of the Foodservice buying strategy by setting the long‑term direction, identifying new growth opportunities and ensuring the commercial plan delivers sustainable income, margin and value for customers. You will lead a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers building a high‑performing, insight‑driven function that delivers best‑in‑class category management. A key part of the role will be developing a forward‑thinking Own Brand strategy, expanding the range into new categories and working cross‑functionally to bring innovative, commercially compelling products to market. You will also be responsible for building a strategically aligned supplier base, onboarding new partners, negotiating complex commercial agreements and driving increased investment, improved terms and long‑term value creation. Alongside this, you will shape promotional and pricing frameworks, lead Joint Business Planning with key suppliers and ensure the Foodservice proposition remains competitive, relevant and operator‑focused.
About You
You will bring significant experience in a senior trading, buying or category leadership role within Foodservice, Wholesale or FMCG. You’ll have a deep understanding of operator needs, routes to market and sector dynamics, with a proven track record of delivering category growth, supplier investment and commercial success. You’ll be a strategic thinker with strong analytical capability, able to translate market trends into actionable plans and build a compelling, future‑focused Foodservice proposition. Experience in Own Brand development is highly desirable, as is a strong network across the supplier landscape. You’ll be an inspiring leader who can develop talent, drive accountability and create a high‑performance culture. Strong negotiation skills, commercial acumen and the ability to influence at senior level both internally and externally are essential.
What You’ll Get in Return
You’ll join a forward‑thinking, ambitious organisation where you’ll have the autonomy and influence to shape the Foodservice strategy and make a meaningful impact. A competitive salary and benefits package is on offer, alongside hybrid working (South Yorkshire office with home‑working flexibility), and the opportunity to lead a function that is central to the company’s long‑term growth plans.
Next Steps
If you have the experience, leadership capability and commercial drive to take on this senior Foodservice buying role, please apply with an up‑to‑date CV.
Buying Controller - Foodservice in Sheffield employer: Rise Resourcing
Join a dynamic and ambitious wholesale and foodservice organisation that values innovation and strategic thinking. As a Buying Controller, you will enjoy a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the flexibility of hybrid working from our South Yorkshire office, all while leading a high-performing team to drive meaningful growth in the Foodservice sector. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that encourages accountability and collaboration, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Controller - Foodservice in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend foodservice events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Buying Controller role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and their Foodservice strategy. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who understands their vision and can drive it forward.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buying Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate complex agreements. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our Foodservice agenda and help shape the future of the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Controller - Foodservice in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Buying Controller role. Highlight your experience in Foodservice, Wholesale, or FMCG, and showcase your strategic thinking and leadership skills. We want to see how you can drive category growth and supplier partnerships!
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 role. Share specific examples of your achievements in category management and how you've influenced commercial success in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capability, make sure to include any relevant data or insights you've worked with. We love seeing how you've translated market trends into actionable plans that have led to growth and value creation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rise Resourcing
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buying Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to category performance, supplier investment, and market trends. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've developed talent and built high-performing teams. Think about specific situations where you inspired accountability and fostered a culture of excellence.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in Foodservice and Wholesale. Be prepared to discuss how these trends impact operators and what innovative strategies you would implement to stay ahead of the competition.
✨Master Negotiation Scenarios
Negotiation skills are crucial for this position. Prepare for potential role-play scenarios where you might need to negotiate terms with suppliers. Highlight your past successes in securing favourable agreements and how you approach complex negotiations.
