Category Development Manager
Location: Chertsey/London/Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
About Foodbuy
Foodbuy Group is a leading food procurement organisation based in the UK. With over £2bn of managed spend, we bring together the widest range of foodservice and hospitality clients to buy food and non-food. As the UK's largest Group Purchasing Organisation, we work closely with our clients to deliver expert procurement services—saving them time and money, enabling them to focus on what really matters to their businesses.
About the Role
We're looking for a Category Development Manager – Indirects to join our dynamic Supplies, Equipment & Services (SES) Category Team at Foodbuy. This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll take full ownership of your category strategy and deliver measurable growth, cost savings, and long-term value for our clients.
You'll lead procurement and supplier management strategies, leveraging our group scale to unlock competitive advantage and drive commercial performance. Working in a fast-paced, complex environment, you'll influence and engage a diverse range of stakeholders—including internal teams, clients, and suppliers—while ensuring supply chain resilience and negotiating sustainable commercial terms.
This role requires strong leadership skills, as you'll manage and develop a high-performing team. Your ability to think strategically, act decisively, and collaborate cross-functionally will be key to success.
What You'll Do
* Develop and execute a long-term category strategy to deliver sustainable improvements in cost, quality, service, and innovation.
* Secure the best price, quality, and sustainable products.
* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, identifying new opportunities and driving commercial value.
* Monitor market trends and ensure we remain industry-leading.
* Deliver financial targets including inflation mitigation and new commercial value.
* Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations, and sustainability requirements.
* Represent Foodbuy at industry events and communicate trends across the business.
* Support sales and bid teams and influence external clients to adopt our commercial terms.
* Work closely with sustainability teams to deliver programs and commitments.
About You
* Proven experience in strategic category management within a complex procurement or commercial environment.
* Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth and cost savings.
* Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
* Skilled in influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and levels.
* Experienced in leading and developing high-performing teams.
* Confident communicator and presenter with strong analytical skills.
* Proactive, results-oriented mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
* Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics, risk management, and market trends.
Why Join Us?
At Foodbuy, we're committed to driving innovation and delivering exceptional value for our clients. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact, lead a talented team, and shape the future of our category strategy.
Ready to take the next step? Apply today and help us transform the way we deliver value to our clients.
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