At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and supplier relationships in the catering sector.
- Company: Join a successful, family-owned multinational business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical cover, pension, and 30 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentoring within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product ranges and drive sales in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, foodservice, or category management with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Salary: GBP50000 - GBP55000 per annum + Benefits package
Category Manager – Bradford
- Competitive salary
- Private Medical
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- 30 days’ total holiday including bank holidays
- Onsite parking
Are you an experienced Category Manager, Buyer or Commercial professional looking for an opportunity to take real ownership of category strategy, supplier relationships and commercial performance? Join a large, successful, family-owned multinational business where you’ll play a key role in shaping product ranges, driving sales and profit, and delivering value for customers across the foodservice and wholesale market.
The opportunity
As Category Manager, you’ll have end-to-end responsibility for developing and delivering category plans that maximise sales, margin and cash profit. You’ll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to create compelling ranges, competitive pricing and effective promotional strategies. You’ll also have the opportunity to influence suppliers, negotiate commercial income and shape the future of your categories, while mentoring and developing Category Assistants within your team.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Developing and delivering category strategies and plans
- Owning ranging, pricing and promotional activity
- Maximising sales, margin and commercial profitability
- Building strong, long-term supplier relationships and Joint Business Plans
- Negotiating supplier funding for media, promotions and strategic initiatives
- Analysing market, category and promotional performance to identify opportunities
- Managing range development, gap analysis and the overall customer proposition
- Developing the right balance of branded and own-brand products
- Planning seasonal promotions and major commercial initiatives
- Maximising product availability across your categories
- Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
- Mentoring and developing Category Assistants
- Driving continuous improvement and delivering commercially successful outcomes
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for a commercially driven professional with significant experience in FMCG wholesale, foodservice, buying, sales or category management. You’ll ideally bring:
- Proven experience developing and delivering category strategies and promotional plans
- Strong commercial judgement and analytical skills
- Excellent negotiation and influencing ability
- Confidence, tenacity and determination when pursuing commercial opportunities
- Experience building effective supplier and stakeholder relationships
- Strong numerical and data-analysis skills
- A proactive, problem-solving approach
- A genuine commitment to continuous improvement
This is more than a traditional Category Manager role. You’ll have genuine commercial ownership and influence, working with major suppliers and playing a key role in decisions that directly impact sales, margin, range and customer value. You’ll join an established and growing international organisation with a strong family-owned heritage, a diverse portfolio of businesses and operations spanning the UK and internationally. You’ll benefit from a collaborative environment where commercial ideas are encouraged, development is supported and your contribution can make a visible difference.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Pension
- Private medical cover
- Life assurance
- 30 days’ total holiday including bank holidays
- Onsite parking
Category Manager - Catering in Bradford employer: White Recruitment
Join a pioneering renewable energy company in Appleby-in-Westmorland, where your leadership as Operations Director will directly contribute to the UK's low-carbon heating transition. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture of continuous improvement, you will enjoy competitive benefits including a generous salary, car allowance, and significant influence over business strategy. This is not just a job; it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly growing sector dedicated to sustainability and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Catering in Bradford
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like White Recruitment.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from White Recruitment!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like White Recruitment, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at White Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Catering in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at White Recruitment, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at White Recruitment.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to White Recruitment. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at White Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at White Recruitment
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to White Recruitment’s mission.
