Strategic Category Buyer – Food & Packaging

En Route International; Windsor; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

En Route International, a hybrid role based in Windsor, is seeking a Category Manager/Senior Buyer to own a procurement category across the UK and Europe. You will develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance and deliver commercial value while ensuring a resilient supply base aligned to growth ambitions.

You will collaborate with Supply Chain, Product Development, Technical, Commercial and Packaging & Design teams to drive cost efficiencies and innovative solutions, travel within the

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Category Manager, Senior Buyer or Procurement Manager role.
• Background within Aviation, Convenience, Retail, Wholesale, Foodservice or another fast-paced commercial environment.
• Strong procurement experience across food and beverage categories, ideally including chilled and fresh foods.
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, contract management and delivering measurable cost savings.
• Experience managing multiple categories and supplier portfolios simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of UK and European supply markets.
• Expertise in category management, strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and financial skills.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders and build credibility at all levels.
• Proven ability to develop high-performing supplier partnerships and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, commercial governance and contract management.
• Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused, with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build effective relationships across multiple functions.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and Europe as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category and supplier strategies that support business objectives and procurement plans.
• Manage supplier relationships across the UK and Europe, building strong partnerships that deliver commercial value and long-term performance.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract management and commercial agreements.
• Identify and deliver cost savings, margin improvement and procurement optimisation opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, supply chain developments and category risks, taking proactive action to maximise opportunities and mitigate challenges.
• Drive supplier performance, continuous improvement initiatives and value creation programmes.
• Manage supplier onboarding, category reporting and action planning.
• Ensure supplier agreements support operational efficiency, product availability and excellent customer service levels.
• Partner with Product Development teams to source innovative products and solutions.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Technical, Commercial and Packaging & Design teams to achieve business objectives.
• Influence stakeholders across the business and champion procurement best practice.

Job description

En Route International, a hybrid role based in Windsor, is seeking a Category Manager/Senior Buyer to own a procurement category across the UK and Europe. You will develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance and deliver commercial value while ensuring a resilient supply base aligned to growth ambitions.

You will collaborate with Supply Chain, Product Development, Technical, Commercial and Packaging & Design teams to drive cost efficiencies and innovative solutions, travel within the