Senior Category Manager Food

JR United Kingdom; Greater London; Remote; GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Food Services firm is seeking a Senior Category Manager with over 7 years of experience in Buying/Category Management. This role offers a clear progression to Head of Procurement within 2 years, along with a competitive salary and benefits. The successful candidate will lead sourcing strategies, manage a team, and enhance profitability through optimized agreements.

Benefits

Bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Over 7/8 years of experience in Buying/Category Management within Food.
• Experience in the retail industry is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing strategies across the UK&I.
• Manage a team of 3 experienced Category Managers.
• Identify sustainable, long-term savings opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation

Sourcing

Category Management

Leadership

Education

Graduate caliber

CIPS/ISM or equivalent qualification

Job description

Procurement – Senior Category Manager Food (Progression to Head of Procurement within 2 years) – Leading Food Services Firm - £85,000 + Bonus + Benefits – Remote with Travel

This prestigious Fortune 100 Blue Chip firm, with over 150,000 employees across 5 continents, is a major player in the Food Services industry. With aggressive expansion plans towards 2025, it offers an exciting opportunity to join their team.

The company is investing in best practice procurement processes, and as a result, is seeking a highly experienced sourcing and category management specialist to join the Procurement Leadership Team within the Food category.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement (Food), the successful candidate will:

• Lead sourcing strategies across the UK&I, covering technical and quality requirements for the service line
• Design and implement category strategies to improve regional commercial performance while ensuring compliance and risk mitigation
• Build a strong network within Supply Management at regional and global levels
• Enhance profitability through optimized agreements aligned with global standards
• Manage a team of 3 experienced Category Managers
• Identify sustainable, long-term savings opportunities through strategic initiatives
• Create compelling business cases for change in collaboration with the Procurement Leadership Team
• Work closely with and learn from the Head of Procurement, with a clear progression plan for the successful candidate

Minimum requirements:

• Over 7/8 years of strong experience in Buying/Category Management within Food
• Experience in the retail industry is beneficial
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and matrix environment
• Proven track record in complex contract negotiations
• Graduate caliber with CIPS/ISM or equivalent qualification preferred

This multinational FTSE 100 firm is known for developing and promoting internal talent. This newly created position offers rapid personal growth and the opportunity to add significant value to a best-in-class function, along with a comprehensive benefits package.