At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage strategic food categories and build relationships with international suppliers.
- Company: Leading food wholesaler known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape category strategies and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and strong negotiation skills.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established food procurement team within a growing business that values long-term supplier partnerships, product innovation and commercial excellence.
Our client is a leading specialist food wholesaler and importer, supplying premium food products to many of the UK's best-known hospitality, retail and food manufacturing businesses. Working with an extensive international supplier network, they source innovative products from around the world and have built an outstanding reputation for quality, service and market expertise.
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, this role will take ownership of a portfolio of strategic food categories, working closely with an international supplier base to deliver the highest standards of quality, service and commercial performance. You'll play a key role in shaping category strategy, supporting new product launches and identifying opportunities to strengthen supplier relationships and improve commercial performance.
This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with Sales, Supply Chain and Technical teams, while also offering the opportunity to travel internationally to meet suppliers, develop partnerships and stay close to emerging market trends.
- Managing a portfolio of strategic food categories and developing category strategies
- Building long-term relationships with international suppliers through regular communication and global travel
- Leading commercial negotiations, including pricing, promotional support and supplier agreements
- Monitoring global market trends to identify opportunities, manage risk and improve supply
- Driving continuous improvement across supplier performance, product quality and commercial outcomes
- Supporting procurement best practice and mentoring junior members of the team
Proven experience managing strategic supplier relationships within international food suppliers.
Strong commercial negotiation and category management experience.
Experience working with imported food products or global food supply chains would be advantageous.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capability.
Comfortable travelling internationally to build supplier relationships and support category development.
A genuine passion for food, sourcing exceptional products and developing long-term supplier partnerships.
We are committed to accessing a broad and diverse talent pool on behalf of our client.
Procurement Category Manager (Permanent) in London employer: TalentPool
At TalentPool, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for a perfect balance between professional and personal life, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career in the fast-paced eCommerce sector. Join us in Greater London, where you can make a meaningful impact managing key accounts like Amazon and MoonPig.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager (Permanent) in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like TalentPool.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager (Permanent) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to TalentPool:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to TalentPool. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like TalentPool.
How to prepare for a job interview at TalentPool
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at TalentPool!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at TalentPool. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into TalentPool's culture.
