Category Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Chertsey; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement organization in Chertsey seeks a Category Business Manager for Supplies, Equipment & Services. The role involves negotiating supplier agreements and leading procurement projects to drive growth. Ideal candidates have experience in SES categories, strong commercial acumen, and excellent negotiation skills. Join a dynamic team where you can make a significant impact and advance your procurement career.

Qualifications

• Experience across SES categories, suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors.
• Proven record of delivering results.
• Ability to flex negotiation style for different audiences.
• Ability to interpret complex data and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Thrives under pressure and adapts quickly.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate supplier agreements, rebates, and commercial terms across SES categories.
• Ensure supplier terms add real value for Foodbuy members.
• Lead projects to unlock procurement synergies.
• Maximise wholesaler nominations and product availability.
• Act as key stakeholder in sourcing projects.
• Drive joint business plans and growth.

Skills

Experience across SES categories

Strong commercial acumen

Skilled negotiator

Analytical mindset

Collaborative team player

Client-focused

Creative and forward-thinking

Job description

Job Introduction

Category Business Manager

Shape the future of procurement with Foodbuy

Foodbuy is the £2bn+ procurement powerhouse within Compass Group UK & Ireland - and we're on an ambitious journey to grow by another £1bn in the coming years. We manage spend across both food and non-food categories, and our Category Business Managers play a vital role in securing commercial value, driving supplier partnerships, and delivering sustainable growth.

We're now looking for a Category Business Manager - Supplies, Equipment & Services (SES) to join our high-performing Commercial team.

What you'll be doing

• Negotiating new or improved supplier agreements, rebates, and commercial terms across SES categories.
• Ensuring supplier terms are accessible and add real value for Foodbuy members and GPOs.
• Leading projects that unlock procurement synergies across Foodbuy UK&I.
• Partnering with Commercial Supply Chain to maximise wholesaler nominations and ensure product availability.
• Acting as a key stakeholder in sourcing projects, ensuring tenders reflect member needs and deliver measurable value.
• Collaborating across category, finance, sales, culinary, and development teams to drive joint business plans and growth.

What we're looking for

• Experience across SES categories, suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven record of delivering results.
• Skilled negotiator with the ability to flex style for different audiences.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and make confident, evidence-based recommendations.
• A collaborative team player who thrives under pressure and adapts quickly.
• Client-focused, balancing commercial outcomes with stakeholder needs.
• Creative, forward-thinking, and ready to execute strategies that drive growth.

Why Foodbuy?

Joining Foodbuy means being part of an organisation that's growing at pace, transforming procurement, and shaping the future of food and non-food categories. You'll have the chance to work with leading suppliers, high-profile clients, and a supportive, ambitious team - all while building your career in a business that values innovation, collaboration, and results.

Ready to take the next step in your procurement career? Apply now to join a business where your ideas and expertise will make a real impact.