Category Manager
Location:
Thames Valley (commutable from West London & M4 Corridor)
Salary:
Up to £65,000 + benefits
About the business:
Our client is a global food services business. They design, source, and deliver premium food, beverage, and packaging solutions to some of the world's leading brands.
The opportunity
As Category Manager, you'll own and drive strategy for either Packaging and/or Food across UK & Europe, depending on your expertise. Either Packaging or Direct Food Category depending on experience. This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with Product Development, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure sourcing strategies not only deliver cost efficiencies, but also drive product innovation and operational excellence.
Key responsibilities
* Develop and implement category strategies aligned with overall procurement goals across UK & Europe.
* Manage supplier relationships, contracts, and commercial terms to ensure value and performance.
* Lead negotiations and implement opportunities to deliver cost savings and improved supplier outcomes.
* Partner with internal teams to bring new food and packaging solutions to market efficiently.
* Monitor supply markets, identifying risks and opportunities to support business growth.
* Oversee supplier onboarding, reporting, and category action plans.
About you
* Experienced procurement professional with a background in food and/or packaging, ideally gained in retail or foodservice.
* Strong negotiator with a proven track record of managing supplier contracts and building long-term partnerships.
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international environment.
* Collaborative, commercially minded, and able to juggle multiple priorities.
* Ideally degree-educated, with MCIPS (or equivalent) preferred.
* Able to travel as required within the UK and Europe.
What's on offer
* Competitive salary up to £65,000
* Annual bonus scheme
* Hybrid working (3 days in office), with flexible working options
* You'll be joining a fast paced business with ambitious growth plans with lots of opportunity to make an impact and develop