Category Manager - Catering Foodservice

WR Logistics; Bradford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension

Life assurance

30 days holiday incl bank holidays

Onsite parking

Job summary

WR Logistics in Bradford is seeking an experienced Category Manager to own category strategies, supplier relationships and commercial performance. You will develop and deliver category plans, optimise ranges, pricing and promotions, and drive profitability across your categories.

You will influence suppliers, negotiate funding for promotions, and mentor Category Assistants, while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to maximise sales and customer value.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in FMCG wholesale, foodservice, buying or category management.
• Strong commercial judgement and analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing ability.
• Experience building effective supplier and stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering category strategies and plans.
• Owning ranging, pricing and promotional activity.
• Maximising sales, margin and commercial profitability.
• Building strong supplier relationships and Joint Business Plans.
• Negotiating supplier funding for media, promotions and strategic initiatives.
• Analyzing market, category and promotional performance to identify opportunities.
• Managing range development, gap analysis and the overall customer proposition.
• Developing the right balance of branded and own-brand products.
• Planning seasonal promotions and major commercial initiatives.
• Maximising product availability across categories.
• Mentoring Category Assistants and collaborating with stakeholders.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Supplier relationships

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Data analysis

Promotions planning

Commercial mindset

Stakeholder management

Job description

Category Manager - Bradford - Foodservice

£50K - £55K | Private Medical | Pension | Life Assurance | 30 days' total holiday including bank holidays | Onsite parking

Are you an experienced Category Manager, Senior Buyer or Commercial professional looking for an opportunity to take real ownership of category strategy, supplier relationships and commercial performance?

The opportunity

As Category Manager, you'll have end-to-end responsibility for developing and delivering category plans that maximise sales, margin and cash profit. You'll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to create compelling ranges, competitive pricing and effective promotional strategies.

You'll also have the opportunity to influence suppliers, negotiate commercial income and shape the future of your categories, while mentoring and developing Category Assistants within your team.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering category strategies and plans
• Owning ranging, pricing and promotional activity
• Maximising sales, margin and commercial profitability
• Building strong, long-term supplier relationships and Joint Business Plans
• Negotiating supplier funding for media, promotions and strategic initiatives
• Analysing market, category and promotional performance to identify opportunities
• Managing range development, gap analysis and the overall customer proposition
• Developing the right balance of branded and own-brand products
• Planning seasonal promotions and major commercial initiatives
• Maximising product availability across your categories
• Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Mentoring and developing Category Assistants
• Driving continuous improvement and delivering commercially successful outcomes

What you'll bring

We're looking for a commercially driven professional with significant experience in FMCG wholesale, foodservice, buying, sales or category management.

You'll ideally bring:

• Proven experience developing and delivering category strategies and promotional plans
• Strong commercial judgement and analytical skills
• Excellent negotiation and influencing ability
• Confidence, tenacity and determination when pursuing commercial opportunities
• Experience building effective supplier and stakeholder relationships
• Strong numerical and data-analysis skills
• A proactive, problem-solving approach
• A genuine commitment to continuous improvement

Why join?

This is more than a traditional Category Manager role. You'll have genuine commercial ownership and influence, working with major suppliers and playing a key role in decisions that directly impact sales, margin, range and customer value.

You’ll join an established and growing international organisation with a strong family-owned heritage, a diverse portfolio of businesses and operations spanning the UK and internationally.

You’ll benefit from a collaborative environment where commercial ideas are encouraged, development is supported and your contribution can make a visible difference.

Benefits include: Competitive salary, pension, private medical cover, life assurance, 30 days' total holiday including bank holidays, and onsite parking