Category Manager

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading food procurement organization as a Category Manager - Impulse, where you will shape the future of a £20m category. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence procurement strategy across renowned clients while managing supplier relationships and driving growth. You will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, working in a hybrid environment that promotes career development and personal growth. With competitive compensation, private medical insurance, and various wellness perks, this position is perfect for a commercially driven professional eager to make a significant impact.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Free Meals on Site

Contributory Pension Scheme

Career Pathways and Personalised Development

Digital GP & Wellbeing Support

Discounts with Major Retailers

Wellness Sessions

Mindfulness & Exercise Classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in category management or procurement, ideally within FMCG, retail, or foodservice.
• Strong analytical ability and confidence in drawing insights from complex data sets.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the Impulse category strategy, delivering a 3-year growth plan.
• Lead supplier relationships, ensuring high standards and business continuity.
• Monitor and manage supplier service levels into distributors.

Skills

Category Management

Procurement

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Job description

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Job Introduction

Category Manager - Impulse

Hybrid (Chertsey or London -based) | Competitive Salary + Bonus | Private Medical | Free Meals | Career Development

Join one of the UK's leading food procurement organisations and help shape the future of the Impulse category.

At Foodbuy, we manage over £2bn in spend annually, working with the biggest names in foodservice and hospitality to deliver best-in-class procurement solutions. As part of Compass Group UK&I, our impact spans the public and private sectors-and we're growing.

We're now hiring a Category Manager - Impulse to lead the strategic development and day-to-day management of a £20m category within our £270m Retail portfolio. This is a fantastic opportunity to take full ownership of a high-profile category and influence procurement strategy across a range of well-known clients.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Own and evolve the Impulse category strategy, delivering a 3-year growth plan aligned with wider business goals.
• Lead supplier relationships, from contract management to performance reviews, using data to drive improvement.
• Manage category range implementation across the UK & Ireland-ensuring excellence in supply chain compliance and commercial value.
• Drive volume growth and rebate delivery through collaboration with Strategic Sourcing and internal stakeholders.
• Lead and support a Category Buyer, fostering development and performance.
• Monitor and manage supplier service levels into distributors, ensuring high standards and business continuity.
• Keep your finger on the pulse with competitor intelligence, market insight, and trend analysis to identify growth opportunities.

What You'll Bring:

• Proven experience in category management or procurement, ideally within FMCG, retail, or foodservice.
• World-class negotiation skills and a strong commercial mindset.
• Excellent leadership and project management capabilities.
• Strong analytical ability and confidence in drawing insights from complex data sets.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.

What's in It for You:

• Competitive salary + bonus scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Free meals on site
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career pathways and personalised development
• Digital GP & wellbeing support
• Discounts with major retailers, cinemas, travel brands & more
• Wellness sessions including mindfulness & exercise classes
• Perks you can share with friends and family

If you're a commercially driven category professional looking to take ownership of a strategic portfolio in a dynamic and data-led environment-we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and make your mark at the UK's leading group purchasing organisation.