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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Food department, curating innovative product ranges and driving category growth.
- Company: Zapp, London's leading premium convenience retail platform, founded in 2020.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model with Fridays WFH, competitive salary, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Transform how Londoners shop for food while working with top brands and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in category management, strong analytical skills, and exceptional project management abilities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration across teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About Zapp
Zapp is London’s leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best-in-class customer‑centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand‑picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.
The Role
We are looking for a visionary Category Manager to lead our Food department. You will be the commercial engine behind our Ambient, Chilled, and Frozen categories – transforming how Londoners shop for everything from daily essentials to luxury treats.
Here’s What You’d Be Doing
- Curate a trending, innovative and relevant product range
- Build and sustain supplier relationships, whilst driving efficiencies across our supply base
- Deliver data‑driven insights and market trend analysis to spearhead category growth, providing the analytical backbone for strategic decision‑making and competitive positioning
- Own supplier negotiations across cost, delivery and payment terms to maximise profitability and minimise risk
- Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Merchandising, Product, and Partnerships to synthesise a cohesive customer offering
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years experience in a category management/ buying role in the Food industry
- Strong execution mindset and exceptional project management abilities: proven track record of managing multiple concurrent workstreams with competing deadlines and priorities
- Strong analytical skills: confident building business cases, and extracting insights from data to drive decisions
- Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Excel; experience with Looker is desirable
- High‑energy self‑starter with exceptional attention to detail: you thrive in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments, making quick decisions with imperfect information while maintaining meticulous accuracy and spotting problems before they escape
- Tenacious communicator who gets things done: you influence stakeholders at all levels, push back when needed, and maintain a hands‑on mentality with natural prioritisation and urgency – always finding solutions rather than roadblocks
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Retail
Category Manager, Food employer: Zapp
Contact Detail:
Zapp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager, Food
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Zapp or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Zapp's product range and market position. Show us you know your stuff and can bring fresh ideas to the table. We love candidates who are passionate about our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Keep an eye on our website and apply proactively. Even if there’s no specific role listed, expressing interest can put you on our radar for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. We want to see how you can leverage insights to boost category growth at Zapp.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager, Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about your favourite products or trends in the food industry and how they inspire you. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you genuinely care about what you’ll be managing.
Be Data-Driven: Since this role is all about using data to drive decisions, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Share examples of how you've used data in past roles to influence category growth or improve supplier relationships. We love numbers, so don’t shy away from them!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Category Manager role. Mention your experience with supplier negotiations and project management, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Zapp!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zapp
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into Zapp's food categories. Familiarise yourself with current trends in Ambient, Chilled, and Frozen foods. Being able to discuss specific products or brands that fit their vision will show your passion and understanding of the market.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Prepare to showcase your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive category growth in previous roles. Whether it's through Excel or Looker, being able to present a business case backed by solid insights will impress the interviewers.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Think about your past experiences managing supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss how you’ve negotiated terms and built partnerships that benefited both parties. Highlighting your ability to drive efficiencies will resonate well with their expectations.
✨Communicate with Confidence
As a Category Manager, communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare for questions on how you handle stakeholder management and push back when necessary. Show them you’re a tenacious communicator who can navigate challenges effectively.
