Category Buyer - Chertsey

Foodbuy; Ottershaw; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food procurement organization in the UK is seeking a Category Buyer to join their Supplies, Equipment & Services team. This hybrid role is ideal for candidates with procurement experience who are looking to enhance their skills and provide innovative solutions for clients. Responsibilities include developing category strategies, negotiating supplier agreements, and analyzing performance data. The position offers excellent benefits, including a bonus, pension, and private healthcare, within a collaborative environment that values sustainability and innovation.

Benefits

Bonus

Pension

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• Experience within procurement or buying, particularly in indirect categories.
• Strong negotiation skills and supplier management experience.
• Ability to analyze data for decision-making.
• Proven record of achieving cost savings.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to adapt and solve problems proactively.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of category strategies with the Category Manager.
• Negotiate supplier agreements to deliver savings.
• Manage supplier performance and compliance.
• Assist in contract renewals and procurement projects.
• Analyze spend data for cost reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers.

Skills

Procurement or buying experience within indirect categories

Strong negotiation and supplier management skills

Analytical ability to manage data

Commercial acumen with a track record of delivering cost savings

Excellent communication skills

Proactive approach to problem-solving

Job description

Category Buyer - Chertsey

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.