Category Manager in City of London

We are The Restaurant Group (TRG for short) and we are one of the UK's biggest hospitality businesses. We are a significant player in the UK casual dining market, operating a number of renowned restaurants and pubs including Wagamama, Barburrito and Brunning & Price.

We are looking for an experienced category manager to manage food categories for a fixed term of 10 months. This role is integral to ensuring cost-effective procurement strategies and maintaining high standards for our Wagamama and TRG Restaurants as well as our Brunning and Price Pubs. Working alongside a team of Category Managers, the candidate will manage over £20m spend with key strategic suppliers.

What you’ll do:

• Manage the procurement process for designated food categories.
• Develop and implement category strategies to optimize costs and supplier performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers.
• Evaluate and onboard new suppliers to meet business needs.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues promptly.
• Negotiate contracts ensuring optimal terms, pricing, and service levels.
• Implement strategies to manage and reduce product inflation.
• Explore new sourcing opportunities to maintain cost efficiency.
• Conduct regular spend analysis to ensure budget adherence and identify areas for improvement.
• Lead multiple procurement projects, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Coordinate with development teams to align procurement activities with project timelines.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the procurement of goods and services.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on procurement activities and outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies to source sustainable products.
• Support brand and menu development by sourcing innovative products.
• Work closely with marketing and development teams to meet brand objectives.

Skills and Competencies:

• Highly numerate with strong analytical capabilities to perform spend analysis, market research, and supplier performance evaluations.
• Proficient in using IT systems and procurement software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with suppliers, stakeholders, and team members.
• Strong negotiation skills to achieve the best terms with suppliers.
• Effective project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to think strategically and solve complex problems.
• Adaptable to changing priorities and capable of working in a fast-paced environment.
• Honest and committed to personal and professional development.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Professional certification (e.g., CIPS) is highly desirable.
• Experience: Proven track record in strategic purchasing or category management. Experience in managing food categories within a retail or hospitality environment is a plus.
• Skills: Strong organisational and time-management skills. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels, including senior management.

This role is critical in ensuring that our categories are effectively sourced and managed, supporting the growth and sustainability of the TRG Group. If you have the required skills and experience and are ready to take on a dynamic and challenging role, we encourage you to apply.

What’s in it for you?

At The Restaurant Group, we pride ourselves on being one of the UK's leading hospitality businesses, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Category Manager, you'll benefit from competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work with renowned brands like Wagamama and Barburrito in a dynamic environment that values sustainability and excellence.

• Competitive salary
• Pension contributions up to 8%
• 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays
• Discounts across our brands
• Savings across retail, leisure and hospitality
• A culture that supports your growth, wellbeing and individuality

Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the perks of working in a thriving sector.