Category Buyer NEW Foodbuy Posted today Competitive Chertsey Central Functions

Compass Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food procurement organization in the UK is looking for a Category Buyer to join their Supplies, Equipment & Services team. This hybrid role based in Chertsey/London offers an excellent chance to grow procurement expertise while helping clients achieve savings and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation and supplier management skills, along with the ability to analyze data and influence stakeholders. The company values sustainability and offers benefits including bonuses and private healthcare.

Benefits

Bonus

Pension

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• Experience in indirect categories of procurement is preferred.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills are essential.
• Ability to analyze data and make evidence-based decisions.

Responsibilities

• Support development of category strategies across SES.
• Negotiate supplier agreements to deliver savings.
• Manage supplier performance and ensure compliance.
• Support contract renewals and procurement projects.
• Analyze spend data to find cost reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Analytical ability

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Category Buyer

Location: Chertsey / London (Hybrid)
Company: Foodbuy UK&I (part of Compass Group UK&I)

Foodbuy Group is the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, managing over £2bn of spend across food and non-food. As the UK’s largest Group Purchasing Organisation, we partner with a wide range of foodservice and hospitality clients to deliver savings, innovation, and supply security — allowing them to focus on what really matters to their business.

Proudly part of Compass Group UK&I, a FTSE 100 company, Foodbuy’s scale provides the opportunity to work with everything from major international brands to local suppliers. This creates an exciting environment for ambitious procurement professionals to build a career that makes a real difference.

We are now seeking a Category Buyer to join our Supplies, Equipment & Services (SES) team. This role is ideal for someone looking to grow their procurement expertise while helping us deliver value and innovation to our clients.

What you’ll be doing

• Support the development and delivery of category strategies across SES, working closely with the Category Manager.
• Negotiate and secure competitive supplier agreements to deliver savings and added value.
• Manage supplier performance, ensuring commercial terms are delivered and compliance is maintained.
• Support contract renewals, tenders, and procurement projects in line with Foodbuy’s overall objectives.
• Analyse spend and performance data to identify opportunities for efficiencies and cost reduction.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver on client requirements.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a commercially minded, proactive Buyer with strong interpersonal skills. You’ll bring:

• Procurement or buying experience within indirect categories (SES experience a plus).
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Analytical ability to manage data and make effective, evidence-based decisions.
• Commercial acumen with a track record of delivering cost savings or added value.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Energy, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Why Foodbuy?

Joining Foodbuy means being part of a business that:

• Offers growth and career development within a FTSE 100 organisation.
• Works with a diverse supplier network, from global brands to local businesses.
• Champions sustainability, innovation, and long-term value for clients.
• Provides a collaborative environment where your ideas and drive can make a real impact.
• We also offer excellent benefits including a bonus, pension and private healthcare