At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of a key food category, driving strategy and supplier relationships.
- Company: Growing international food and supply business with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role with broad responsibilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in food procurement, strong negotiation, and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Are you a commercially driven Category Buyer, Senior Buyer or Category Manager with experience across food, FMCG, foodservice or retail? We're working on a confidential opportunity with a growing international food and supply business, looking for a commercially sharp procurement professional to take ownership of a key food category. This is a role for someone who enjoys being hands-on, commercially involved and close to the detail — from supplier negotiations and category strategy through to margin improvement, product development and supply chain performance.
You'll take ownership of a significant food category, developing and implementing category and supplier strategies that deliver commercial value while maintaining a resilient and effective supply base. You'll work closely with teams across Supply Chain, Product Development, Technical, Commercial and Operations, giving you genuine exposure across the wider business.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing category and supplier strategies
- Managing and developing supplier relationships
- Leading commercial negotiations, contracts and agreements
- Identifying and delivering cost savings and margin improvement
- Monitoring market trends, pricing and supply chain risks
- Driving supplier performance and continuous improvement
- Supporting new product development and sourcing initiatives
- Managing supplier onboarding, reporting and action plans
- Working cross-functionally to ensure product availability and service levels
- Using market and category insight to identify new commercial opportunities
We're looking for someone with a strong food procurement / buying background who can combine strategic thinking with a hands-on commercial approach. Ideally, you'll have experience within:
- Dairy / chilled / fresh food categories — cheese experience would be particularly relevant
- Foodservice, FMCG, retail, wholesale, convenience or a similar fast-paced environment
- Category management, strategic sourcing or senior buying
- Supplier negotiation and relationship management
- Cost reduction, margin optimisation and commercial analysis
- Managing multiple suppliers and/or categories
Experience across adjacent categories such as premium food categories would also be considered.
What We're Looking For
You'll be commercially astute, confident negotiating with suppliers and comfortable influencing stakeholders across different functions. This is an environment where you'll need to be proactive, entrepreneurial and comfortable getting stuck in. We're not looking for someone who wants to operate within a narrow procurement silo — you'll have broad responsibility and the opportunity to make a visible commercial impact. Strong analytical, negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills are essential.
What's On Offer?
- Great salary
- Up to 15% discretionary bonus
- 25 days' holiday + birthday + bank holidays
- Private medical cover
- Life cover
- Income protection
- Critical illness cover
- Pension
- Gym membership benefit
- Hybrid working – 3 days in the Windsor office / 2 days from home
- Occasional supplier travel
Interested? If you're an experienced Food Buyer, Category Buyer, Senior Buyer or Category Manager looking for a commercially focused role with genuine ownership and influence, we'd be keen to hear from you. Apply now for a confidential conversation. Please note: this is a confidential search and further details regarding the organisation will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
Category Manager in Windsor employer: Trinity Resource Solutions Careers
Join a dynamic manufacturing operation as a Shift Engineer, where you'll enjoy a competitive salary and a 4 on / 4 off shift pattern that promotes an excellent work-life balance. Our supportive work culture fosters ongoing training and development, ensuring you have the opportunity to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact in a modern production environment. With a focus on safety and continuous improvement, this role offers a stable, long-term career path within a thriving business.
Contact Details:
Trinity Resource Solutions Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Windsor
✨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 Trinity Resource Solutions Careers.
✨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 Category Manager in Windsor
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 Trinity Resource Solutions Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Trinity Resource Solutions Careers. 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 Trinity Resource Solutions Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trinity Resource Solutions Careers
✨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 Trinity Resource Solutions Careers!
✨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 Trinity Resource Solutions Careers. 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 Trinity Resource Solutions Careers's culture.
