Category Manager - Catering Foodservice

£50K - £55K | Private Medical | Pension | Life Assurance | 30 days' total holiday including bank holidays | Onsite parking

Are you an experienced Category Manager, Senior Buyer or Commercial professional looking for an opportunity to take real ownership of category strategy, supplier relationships and commercial performance?

As Category Manager, you'll have end-to-end responsibility for developing and delivering category plans that maximise sales, margin and cash profit. You'll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to create compelling ranges, competitive pricing and effective promotional strategies.

You'll also have the opportunity to influence suppliers, negotiate commercial income and shape the future of your categories, while mentoring and developing Category Assistants within your team.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering category strategies and plans
• Owning ranging, pricing and promotional activity
• Maximising sales, margin and commercial profitability
• Building strong, long-term supplier relationships and Joint Business Plans
• Negotiating supplier funding for media, promotions and strategic initiatives
• Analysing market, category and promotional performance to identify opportunities
• Managing range development, gap analysis and the overall customer proposition
• Developing the right balance of branded and own-brand products
• Planning seasonal promotions and major commercial initiatives
• Maximising product availability across your categories
• Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Mentoring and developing Category Assistants
• Driving continuous improvement and delivering commercially successful outcomes

We're looking for a commercially driven professional with significant experience in FMCG wholesale, food service, buying, sales or category management.

You'll ideally bring:

• Proven experience developing and delivering category strategies and promotional plans
• Strong commercial judgement and analytical skills
• Excellent negotiation and influencing ability
• Confidence, tenacity and determination when pursuing commercial opportunities
• Experience building effective supplier and stakeholder relationships
• Strong numerical and data-analysis skills
• A proactive, problem-solving approach
• A genuine commitment to continuous improvement

This is more than a traditional Category Manager role. You'll have genuine commercial ownership and influence, working with major suppliers and playing a key role in decisions that directly impact sales, margin, range and customer value.

You’ll join an established and growing international organisation with a strong family-owned heritage, a diverse portfolio of businesses and operations spanning the UK and internationally.

You’ll benefit from a collaborative environment where commercial ideas are encouraged, development is supported and your contribution can make a visible difference.

Benefits include:
Competitive salary, pension, private medical cover, life assurance, 30 days' total holiday including bank holidays, and onsite parking