Food Category Strategy Lead - Hybrid/Remote (6-Month FTC)

Sodexo; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts to over 1,900 brands

Gym discount

24/7 employee assistance programme

Job summary

Sodexo seeks an experienced Category Manager to lead category strategies across the UK & Ireland on a 6-month FTC, with hybrid/remote work and a focus on driving savings and sustainable sourcing. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and align local and global objectives to optimise commercial value.

You will collaborate with key stakeholders across Supply Management, Finance, and global procurement, delivering a pipeline of projects while ensuring governance and compliance.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Strategic Buying.
• Proven experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills.
• Experience working within a matrix or multinational organisation.
• Degree educated and working towards CIPS, ISM, or equivalent qualification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies across the UK & Ireland.
• Deliver cost savings, commercial value, and improved supplier performance.
• Negotiate regional agreements and secure the best commercial terms.
• Manage supplier relationships and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Lead a pipeline of category projects and initiatives, ensuring delivery against objectives and timelines.
• Collaborate with global procurement teams to align local and global category strategies.
• Drive responsible sourcing and sustainability initiatives across categories.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance requirements, and due diligence processes.
• Balance the differing business and market requirements across the UK and ROI.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to influence decision-making and maximise value.

Skills

Category management

Procurement

Strategic buying

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Multinational experience

Education

Degree educated

CIPS/ISM in progress

Job description

Sodexo seeks an experienced Category Manager to lead category strategies across the UK & Ireland on a 6-month FTC, with hybrid/remote work and a focus on driving savings and sustainable sourcing. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and align local and global objectives to optimise commercial value.

You will collaborate with key stakeholders across Supply Management, Finance, and global procurement, delivering a pipeline of projects while ensuring governance and compliance.