Category Manager – Dairy

Classic Fine Foods UK Ltd | B Corp™; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Classic Fine Foods UK Ltd is a global dairy-focused food sourcing and distribution partner, seeking a Dairy Category Manager in London. You will develop the category by researching, forecasting and sourcing Milk, Cheese, Eggs, Cream and dairy-free subcategories.

You will work with Senior and Junior buyers, manage supplier relationships, negotiate prices and maintain stock and KPI reporting. London location, permanent role with a motivating bonus scheme.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a FMCG supply chain / purchasing role with comprehensive knowledge of the Dairy industry locally and internationally.
• UK and EU law on Dairy import regulations.
• Organised with an excellent eye for detail, proven ability to handle large amounts of data to translate into clear targets.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyse dairy market trends to forecast demand and identify growth opportunities.
• Source and evaluate new suppliers for Milk, Cheese, Eggs, Cream and dairy free sub-categories to expand product range.
• Drive new product development (NPD) initiatives and secure commercial opportunities for the category.
• Deliver regular product training sessions to the sales team to enhance category knowledge.
• Establish Supplier Business Review calendar; official presentations with accurate commercial market data and reporting tools.
• Organise and spearhead supplier visits on and off site, in the UK and abroad.
• Devise and maintain supplier KPIs, for reporting to Head of Categories.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Detail-oriented

Problem solving

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

PowerBi

ERP systems

Job description

Classic Fine Foods UK Ltd is a global food sourcing and distribution partner, connecting customers with carefully selected products from trusted producers worldwide. While quality remains at the heart of everything we do, we are equally focused on delivering value, reliability, and innovation across all customer channels. From everyday essentials to specialist ingredients, we help businesses source products that meet their commercial and culinary objectives.

Our team are dedicated to developing opportunities and delivering quality – both in the representation of our brands and delivering the best service to our customers, and remain the Premium Wholesaler of Choice.

About the Role

As a Dairy Category Manager within the Purchasing and Supply Chain team, you will develop the category by researching, analysing and forecasting current and future trends, identifying varied sources of products within - and without limitation -Milk, Cheese, Eggs, Cream and dairy free sub-categories. Supported by a Senior Buyer and Junior buyer, you will be responsible for executing category strategy, order processing, forecasting, supplier relationships and data management of our Dairy range.

Product and Supplier Management

• Research and analyse dairy market trends to forecast demand and identify growth opportunities.
• Source and evaluate new suppliers for Milk, Cheese, Eggs, Cream and dairy free sub-categories to expand product range.
• Drive new product development (NPD) initiatives and secure commercial opportunities for the category
• Deliver regular product training sessions to the sales team to enhance category knowledge.
• Establish Supplier Business Review calendar; official presentations with accurate commercial market data and CFF business reporting tools.
• Organise and spearhead supplier visits on and off site, in the UK and abroad.
• Devise and maintain supplier KPIs, for reporting to Head of Categories.
• Represent Classic Fine Foods Dairy category at Trade Fairs, Company Events and Conferences, in the UK and abroad.
• Collaborate with the Head of Categories and Operation Management to review stock holding, conduct and improve efficiencies.
• Formulate forecasts and monitor stock levels, ensuring maximum stock availability with minimum wastage.
• Effective at price negotiation, always be one step ahead, adjusting stock levels to needs of customer and business.
• Proven ability to pivot flexibly and efficiently to deliver tenders and business opportunities for large customer accounts.
• Maintain comprehensive market pricing reporting and margin analysis for the CFF Dairy range, for reporting to Commercial Director and Senior stakeholders.

Process Management

• Coordinate delivery schedules with suppliers and internal departments.
• Ensure a high standard of data integrity and accuracy within the ERP system.
• Manage supplier price files calculating landed cost prices, product margins and general sales prices.
• Effective management of company stock holding in order to meet net working capital target.
• Ensure that all supplier invoices are authorised and passed to finance in a timely manner.

Business Engagement

• Liaise with COMEX members on a monthly basis to run through monthly results and budget monitoring
• Engage with marketing manager to promote range and seasonality withing B2B website and for scheduled events.
• Working closely with the Quality Department to ensure that quality standards are upheld for all products.
• Demonstrate a high level of business growth mindset by presenting initiatives to senior management.

The Dairy Category Manager reports to the Head of Categories.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a FMCG supply chain / purchasing role with a comprehensive knowledge of the Dairy industry both locally and internationally
• UK and EU law on Dairy import regulations
• Organised with an excellent eye for detail, proven ability to handle large amounts of data to translate in to clear, specific instructions and targets
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• A dynamic individual with experience in dealing with multiple suppliers
• Able to build strong relationships, both externally and internally
• Demonstrate perseverance and resilience in the pursuit of goals
• Strong IT skills with experience using Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBi and ERP systems
• A can do attitude with a strength in problem solving

Health & Safety - Commitment to Safety:

• Always set an example to the team on health and safety matters.
• Always take health and safety concerns of your team seriously, investigate fully and provide feedback.

manner.

CFF Behaviours

Behaviours that we expect from a manager in CFF.

• Decision making: is able to make choices or among alternative courses of action, is not afraid of making uncomfortable decision in the company interest.
• Team spirit: is acting in consideration with needs and interests of the group instead of his/her individual interests, contributing actively to a join result or solution to a problem, is always willing to lend a hand.
• Comply to rules: comply with the rules set up by the Company and by the work environment. Is reliable, able to be trusted to do right things, deserves imitation.
• Proactive: is able to come up with new ideas, original solutions for the business. Always looking for improvement. Self-starting rather than waiting passively to see what happens.

Location:London – Park Royal

Salary:Attractive Basic + motivating Bonus scheme

Position:Permanent

Must have: Right to work in the UK.