Commercial Procurement and Category Manager
Cantello Tayler Recruitment is recruiting for a rapidly expanding foodservice organisation near Heathrow and they are seeking two experienced Commercial Procurement Category Managers to lead buying strategies, drive category growth, and deliver exceptional supplier performance across the Ambient, Chilled and Frozen food categories.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional looking to take ownership of their categories within an established, forward‑thinking business.
Competitive salary and benefits.
Commercial Procurement Category Manager - Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and deliver category procurement strategies that maximise profit and ensure quality.
* Maintain 12‑month category plans, forecasting demand and identifying risk, seasonality and opportunities.
* Build, manage and negotiate with suppliers to secure best‑in‑class commercial terms and reliable supply.
* Lead tender processes, assess proposals and make robust commercial recommendations.
* Source new products in line with brand, quality and sustainability standards.
* Manage price files, review market trends and ensure category profitability.
* Monitor product performance and act on underperforming lines.
* Ensure full supplier compliance with food safety, H&S and environmental standards.
* Work closely with Operations, Finance, Customer Service, Sales and Marketing to achieve team and business KPIs.
* Attend supplier visits, trade shows and industry events to stay ahead of market trends.
* Support the operation during peak periods when required.
Commercial Procurement and Category Manager Skills & Experience Required
We would love to hear from you if you have:
* Experience in procurement, category management or buying within foodservice, FMCG or food categories.
* Strong commercial and financial acumen with excellent negotiation skills.
* Confident Excel skills and the ability to work comfortably with data and analysis.
* Relevant qualifications (Supply Chain, Business, Logistics) – desirable.
* CIPS qualification or working towards it – desirable.
* Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment, with high attention to detail.
* A valid UK driving licence and Right to Work in the UK.
* Flexibility for early‑morning market visits and supplier travel.
Why Apply?
* Join a growing and dynamic foodservice business.
* Genuine category ownership and visibility within the organisation.
* Supportive culture with opportunities to attend industry events and develop your expertise.
* Competitive salary and benefits.
If this Commercial Procurement Category Manager role is of interest to you, please click apply or contact Marie Spratley in our Egham office