At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global retail category strategies to drive growth and optimise value.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in sustainable business solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and 20+ employee benefits including discounts and wellness support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and supporting underrepresented backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail food and make a real impact globally.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Category Management or Strategic Sourcing with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Sodexo is seeking a
Senior Global Category Manager – Retail (Food) to lead and maximize value across our global retail portfolio.
This strategic role is responsible for driving commercial growth, procurement excellence, supplier partnerships, and category governance to deliver sustainable business results.
Working with key stakeholders and suppliers worldwide, you will create value through revenue growth, margin improvement, cost optimization, innovation, sustainability initiatives, supply continuity, and risk mitigation.
The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with strategic sourcing expertise to build high-performing supplier relationships and ensure resilient, responsible category management on a global scale.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Sodexo's retail food category and make a significant impact across our international business.
For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers.
- Main Responsibilities
- Category Growth Strategy
- Develop global category strategies that drive sales growth, margin expansion, operational efficiency and local implementation.
- Leverage Sodexo's scale while balancing local market needs, client requirements and regional priorities.
- Value Optimization & Cost Leadership
- Deliver measurable savings, cost reduction, inflation avoidance and supplier productivity.
- Use demand management, specification optimization and scale benefits to improve profitability without compromising quality or service.
- Strategic Procurement & Category Governance
- Define and execute sourcing strategies aligned with global category priorities and regional business needs.
- Lead category governance, supplier segmentation, contractual frameworks, compliance and commercial decision processes.
- Revenue & Profit Growth
- Drive initiatives that increase retail sales, profitability and category performance.
- Partner with Marketing, Brand, Operations and Finance to convert supplier investment, data and innovation into commercial outcomes.
- Strategic Supplier Management
- Lead key global supplier relationships across growth, cost competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, quality, service continuity and risk.
- Negotiate agreements and joint business plans that deliver profitability, savings, investment, innovation and supply resilience.
- Governance, Risk & Resilience
- Manage risk across supply resilience, supplier financial health, geopolitical exposure, commodity volatility and market disruption.
- Ensure regulatory, contractual, quality, sustainability and ESG compliance, with mitigation plans to protect supply and performance.
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as the global connector between Supply Management, Retail Operations, Marketing, Finance and regional teams.
- Build business cases, mobilize stakeholders and scale best practices across regions.
- Performance Management
- Growth KPIs: revenue growth, gross margin improvement, supplier-funded initiatives, innovation and category adoption.
- Procurement KPIs: savings, inflation avoidance, supplier performance, compliance, sustainability and risk reduction.
Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate combines the mindset of a strategic procurement professional, retailer, and business developer.
Experience
- 10+ years' experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Commercial Management, Retail or FMCG.
- Proven delivery of revenue growth, margin improvement, savings, cost optimization and inflation mitigation.
- Experience leading supplier negotiations, contractual frameworks, procurement transformation and international category management.
- Strong influencing, stakeholder management, sourcing and supplier governance skills in a matrix environment.
Package Description
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Hybrid - Stevenage
In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.
We’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity.
We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves.
We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer.
We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category manager - Retail (GSM-Food) in Stevenage
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
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✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Sodexo Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category manager - Retail (GSM-Food) in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Sodexo Group, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Sodexo Group and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Sodexo Group that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
