Assistant Category Buyer

Compass Group; Ottershaw; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement organization in the UK is seeking an Assistant Category Buyer to support supplier negotiations and analyze data to drive commercial value. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial awareness and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to work. Join a team focused on sustainable sourcing and gain exposure to large-scale procurement operations.

Qualifications

• Experience working with suppliers, wholesalers, or distributors across multiple categories (desirable).
• Solid analytical skills and the ability to interpret and manage complex data.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Support supplier negotiations to secure improved commercial terms.
• Manage and analyze data for commercial decision-making.
• Produce process plans, reports, and documentation.

Skills

Supplier negotiation

Data analysis

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Overview

Assistant Category Buyer – London / Chertsey

Foodbuy UK&I - Commercial Team

Full-time | Grade E

Join one of the UK's leading procurement organisations and play a key role in shaping the future of strategic sourcing.

Foodbuy is the procurement arm of Compass Group UK & Ireland, managing over £2bn in annual spend across food and non-food categories - with ambitious plans to grow by another £1bn in the coming years. We work with an extensive network of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to deliver exceptional value, quality, and sustainability for our clients.

We're now looking for an Assistant Category Buyer to join our Commercial Team and support the delivery of procurement synergies and commercial value across Foodbuy's member and GPO businesses.

About the Role

As an Assistant Category Buyer, you'll play an important part in supporting our supplier and category teams to deliver growth and savings across Foodbuy's food, retail, and SES categories. You'll work across a range of projects - from securing improved commercial terms and rebates, to tracking supplier performance and identifying opportunities for added value.

Responsibilities

• Supporting supplier negotiations to secure improved commercial terms and manufacturer rebates.
• Working with finance and category teams to identify switching opportunities and track performance.
• Managing and analysing data across Foodbuy members and GPOs to support commercial decision-making.
• Producing process plans, reports, and documentation to support project delivery and implementation.
• Collaborating with stakeholders across Category, Sales, CBM, Finance, and Commercial Pricing teams.
• Assisting with the tracking and management of supplier contracts and group over-riders.

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded and analytical individual who's eager to develop their career in procurement within a fast-paced, market-leading organisation.

You'll bring

• Experience working with suppliers, wholesalers, or distributors across multiple categories (desirable).
• Strong commercial awareness with a passion for driving value and results.
• Solid analytical skills and the ability to interpret and manage complex data.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive, organised, and adaptable approach with a keen eye for detail.

Why Join Foodbuy?

As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, a FTSE 100 organisation, you'll gain exposure to large-scale procurement operations, opportunities to grow your career, and the chance to make a real impact in a business that's shaping the future of sustainable sourcing.

Be part of a team that delivers real value - for our clients, our suppliers, and the planet.