Category Buyer

Foodbuy; Chertsey; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food procurement organization is seeking a Category Buyer in Chertsey/London to support category strategies and manage supplier agreements. Ideal candidates will have procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach. This role offers career development within a FTSE 100 company and includes excellent benefits such as a bonus, pension, and private healthcare. The environment is collaborative and focused on innovation and sustainability.

Benefits

Bonus

Pension

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement or buying within indirect categories.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings.
• Ability to influence stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of category strategies.
• Negotiate and secure competitive supplier agreements.
• Analyze spend data for opportunities in cost reduction.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Analytical ability

Excellent communication

Proactive problem-solving

Job description

Category Buyer

Location: Chertsey / London (Hybrid)

Company: Foodbuy UK&I (part of Compass Group UK&I)

Foodbuy Group is the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, managing over £2bn of spend across food and non-food. As the UK’s largest Group Purchasing Organisation, we partner with a wide range of foodservice and hospitality clients to deliver savings, innovation, and supply security — allowing them to focus on what really matters to their business.

Proudly part of Compass Group UK&I, a FTSE 100 company, Foodbuy’s scale provides the opportunity to work with everything from major international brands to local suppliers. This creates an exciting environment for ambitious procurement professionals to build a career that makes a real difference.

We are now seeking a Category Buyer to join our Supplies, Equipment & Services (SES) team. This role is ideal for someone looking to grow their procurement expertise while helping us deliver value and innovation to our clients.

What you’ll be doing

• Support the development and delivery of category strategies across SES, working closely with the Category Manager.
• Negotiate and secure competitive supplier agreements to deliver savings and added value.
• Manage supplier performance, ensuring commercial terms are delivered and compliance is maintained.
• Support contract renewals, tenders, and procurement projects in line with Foodbuy’s overall objectives.
• Analyse spend and performance data to identify opportunities for efficiencies and cost reduction.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver on client requirements.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a commercially minded, proactive Buyer with strong interpersonal skills. You’ll bring:

• Procurement or buying experience within indirect categories (SES experience a plus).
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Analytical ability to manage data and make effective, evidence-based decisions.
• Commercial acumen with a track record of delivering cost savings or added value.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Energy, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Why Foodbuy?

Joining Foodbuy means being part of a business that:

• Offers growth and career development within a FTSE 100 organisation.
• Works with a diverse supplier network, from global brands to local businesses.
• Champions sustainability, innovation, and long-term value for clients.
• Provides a collaborative environment where your ideas and drive can make a real impact.
• We also offer excellent benefits including a bonus, pension and private healthcare.