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.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration across teams.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
Zapp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Category Manager in our Food department, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of convenience retail while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Zapp provides access to cutting-edge technology and a culture that values creativity and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager, Food
✨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 Zapp.
✨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 Zapp!
✨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 Zapp, 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 Zapp, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager, Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zapp, 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 Zapp.
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 Zapp. 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 Zapp. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zapp
✨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 Zapp’s mission.
