Category Buying Manager

En Route International; Windsor; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

En Route International, a hybrid role based in Windsor, is seeking a Category Manager/Senior Buyer to own a procurement category across the UK and Europe. You will develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance and deliver commercial value while ensuring a resilient supply base aligned to growth ambitions.

You will collaborate with Supply Chain, Product Development, Technical, Commercial and Packaging & Design teams to drive cost efficiencies and innovative solutions, travel within the

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Category Manager, Senior Buyer or Procurement Manager role.
• Background within Aviation, Convenience, Retail, Wholesale, Foodservice or another fast-paced commercial environment.
• Strong procurement experience across food and beverage categories, ideally including chilled and fresh foods.
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, contract management and delivering measurable cost savings.
• Experience managing multiple categories and supplier portfolios simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of UK and European supply markets.
• Expertise in category management, strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and financial skills.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders and build credibility at all levels.
• Proven ability to develop high-performing supplier partnerships and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, commercial governance and contract management.
• Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused, with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build effective relationships across multiple functions.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and Europe as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category and supplier strategies that support business objectives and procurement plans.
• Manage supplier relationships across the UK and Europe, building strong partnerships that deliver commercial value and long-term performance.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract management and commercial agreements.
• Identify and deliver cost savings, margin improvement and procurement optimisation opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, supply chain developments and category risks, taking proactive action to maximise opportunities and mitigate challenges.
• Drive supplier performance, continuous improvement initiatives and value creation programmes.
• Manage supplier onboarding, category reporting and action planning.
• Ensure supplier agreements support operational efficiency, product availability and excellent customer service levels.
• Partner with Product Development teams to source innovative products and solutions.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Technical, Commercial and Packaging & Design teams to achieve business objectives.
• Influence stakeholders across the business and champion procurement best practice.

Job description

En Route International is the trusted global partner behind some of the world's leading airlines and airline caterers. As part of dnata, one of the world's largest air and travel services providers, we source and deliver premium food and packaging solutions that help create exceptional onboard experiences.

Operating across the UK, Europe, USA, Australia and the UAE, we partner with world-class manufacturers to develop tailored products and packaging that meet the unique needs of our customers. Combining industry expertise with supply chain excellence, we manage complex global supply chains with precision, reliability and a relentless focus on quality, innovation and service.

Trusted by some of aviation's most recognised brands, we operate with the scale and strength of a global business while maintaining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of a fast-growing organisation.

As we continue our exciting growth journey, we're looking for ambitious people who want to make a real impact. Join a collaborative, customer-focused business where ideas are valued, success is shared, and you'll have the opportunity to help shape what's next.

The Role:

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will take ownership of a key procurement category across the UK and Europe. Using a strategic category management approach, you will develop and implement sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance, and deliver commercial value while ensuring a resilient and effective supply base aligned to En Route's growth ambitions.

This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with Supply Chain, Product Development, Technical, Commercial, and Packaging & Design teams to drive innovation, deliver cost efficiencies, and ensure outstanding service to our customers.

Please note that this is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of three days per week in our Windsor (Berkshire) office.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category and supplier strategies that support business objectives and procurement plans.
• Manage supplier relationships across the UK and Europe, building strong partnerships that deliver commercial value and long-term performance.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract management and commercial agreements.
• Identify and deliver cost savings, margin improvement and procurement optimisation opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, supply chain developments and category risks, taking proactive action to maximise opportunities and mitigate challenges.
• Drive supplier performance, continuous improvement initiatives and value creation programmes.
• Manage supplier onboarding, category reporting and action planning.
• Ensure supplier agreements support operational efficiency, product availability and excellent customer service levels.
• Partner with Product Development teams to source innovative products and solutions.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Technical, Commercial and Packaging & Design teams to achieve business objectives.
• Influence stakeholders across the business and champion procurement best practice.

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in a Category Manager, Senior Buyer or Procurement Manager role.
• Background within Aviation, Convenience, Retail, Wholesale, Foodservice or another fast-paced commercial environment.
• Strong procurement experience across food and beverage categories, ideally including chilled and fresh foods.
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, contract management and delivering measurable cost savings.
• Experience managing multiple categories and supplier portfolios simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of UK and European supply markets.
• Expertise in category management, strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and financial skills.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders and build credibility at all levels.
• Proven ability to develop high-performing supplier partnerships and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, commercial governance and contract management.
• Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused, with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build effective relationships across multiple functions.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and Europe as required.

What's important in this role:

You will be accountable for delivering commercial value through effective supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, margin optimisation and strategic category management. Success in this role comes from balancing commercial performance with supplier collaboration, operational excellence and long-term business growth.

At En Route International, you'll have the opportunity to work in a dynamic global business where procurement plays a critical role in driving growth and innovation. You'll be part of a collaborative team, working with leading suppliers and world-class travel customers while helping to shape the future of food and product solutions in the travel industry.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and we are dedicated to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application or interview stages, please let us know - we’re here to help!

Regrettably, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond individually to every candidate. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of submitting your application, unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion.

We take your privacy seriously. Any personal data you share with us during the application process will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your information will be stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary.