Category Manager – Food Procurement

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially driven Category Manager – Food Procurement to join a major global organisation undergoing significant procurement transformation.

The business is particularly focused on attracting high-potential procurement talent who can bring more than just strong category management experience. They are looking for individuals with the ambition, curiosity and drive to progress into more senior leadership positions over time.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants to go beyond their day-to-day category responsibilities, get involved in wider procurement initiatives, contribute to transformation projects and gain exposure to senior stakeholders across the organisation.

The successful candidate will take ownership of key Food procurement categories, developing sourcing strategies, managing strategic supplier relationships and delivering commercial value.

Experience with in Protein commodities (Meat, Poultry, Fish or Seafood) would be advantageous, but is not essential. The priority is identifying talented Food Category Managers with strong commercial capabilities and long-term leadership potential.

• Develop and execute category strategies across key Food procurement categories.
• Manage significant spend, strategic sourcing activities and complex supplier negotiations.
• Build strategic supplier relationships and identify opportunities for cost optimisation, innovation and efficiencies.
• Analyse commodity markets, supplier performance and commercial trends to inform category strategies.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to align procurement strategies with wider business objectives.
• Contribute to procurement transformation, cross-functional projects and wider strategic business initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, supplier innovation and supply chain resilience.
• Take an active role in activities beyond core category responsibilities, supporting the wider development of the procurement function.

• Proven Food Procurement Category Management experience, including category strategy development and strategic sourcing.
• Strong commercial acumen, supplier negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Protein commodity experience would be desirable but is not essential.
• Experience managing complex supplier relationships and delivering measurable commercial improvements.
• A proactive, ambitious and commercially minded individual who demonstrates leadership potential.
• A genuine interest in contributing to wider procurement initiatives, transformation programmes and cross-functional projects.
• The motivation and capability to progress into more senior procurement positions.

This organisation places significant emphasis on talent development, internal progression and identifying future procurement leaders.

The business is looking for someone who not only delivers within their category but also demonstrates the initiative to get involved in broader projects, challenge existing approaches and contribute to the wider procurement function.

The role offers genuine strategic ownership, exposure to senior leadership and excellent opportunities for long-term career development.