Food Category Development DirectorLocation: London/Chertsey/HybridSalary: CompetitiveContract: PermanentReporting to: Chief Commercial OfficerAbout FoodbuyFoodbuy Group is the UK's leading food procurement organisation, managing over £2bn of spend across foodservice and hospitality. Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, a FTSE 100 business, Foodbuy partners with clients and suppliers to deliver resilient supply chains, commercial value and sustainable outcomes at scale.The RoleWe are looking for an experienced Food Category Development Director to lead Foodbuy's food strategy across core and specialist food categories during a period of ongoing market volatility and growth.This is a senior leadership role focused on shaping strategy, strengthening supply resilience and creating long‑term commercial advantage. It goes beyond traditional category management, combining deep food expertise with strategic procurement leadership, innovation and risk management.You will operate with significant autonomy and executive‑level influence, playing a pivotal role in Foodbuy's credibility, performance and growth agenda.Key ResponsibilitiesLead Foodbuy's food commercial strategy across all food categoriesTranslate scale, insight and supplier capability into strong client outcomesManage inflation, supply risk and continuity across complex food supply chainsShape and deliver a market‑leading food procurement propositionStrengthen strategic supplier partnerships and develop new relationshipsCollaborate across sourcing, category, account management and operationsRepresent Foodbuy at senior client, supplier and executive levelsBuild and develop a high‑performing food commercial teamAbout YouSenior commercial leader with strong experience in food procurement or foodservice supply chainsProven track record managing inflation, supply disruption and complex negotiationsDeep understanding of food markets, quality, specification and logisticsStrong strategic judgement with high commercial and analytical capabilityExperienced people leader with a collaborative, delivery‑focused styleDesirable:Experience within GPOs, buying groups or multi‑client environmentsExposure to hospitality or contract cateringStrong understanding of sustainability and responsible sourcingWhy Join Foodbuy?This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of food procurement within a market‑leading organisation. You'll lead critical categories, influence senior stakeholders and deliver tangible value for clients — all within the scale and stability of a FTSE 100 group.REED