Category Manager

Compass Group; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food procurement organization is seeking a Category Development Manager based in Chertsey to oversee the Hot Beverages category, managing an approximate spend of £30 million. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to analyze data effectively. Join a dynamic team that fosters innovation and growth in the hospitality industry. This role offers excellent benefits and competitive salary.

Benefits

Dynamic team environment

High-impact projects

Qualifications

• Proven experience in buying or procurement, ideally with tea or coffee expertise.
• A world-class negotiator with strong commercial acumen.
• Skilled in project management, able to juggle multiple priorities.
• Analytical and data-driven, with the ability to turn insights into action.
• A natural leader who holds people accountable and drives results.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Hot Beverages category: Develop a category strategy and income growth plan.
• Own supplier relationships: Manage contracts and conduct quarterly reviews.
• Drive innovation and growth: Identify opportunities to optimize quality and margins.
• Lead and inspire: Provide guidance to a Category Buyer.
• Deliver market leadership: Use data to stay ahead of competitors.

Skills

Buying or procurement expertise

Negotiation skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Leadership

Job description

Category Development Manager

Location: Chertsey/London

Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Company: Foodbuy

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for procurement and a love for tea and coffee? Foodbuy, the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, is looking for a Category Development Manager to take ownership of our Hot Beverages category, managing a spend of around £30 million and shaping the future of retail procurement.

With over £2 bn of managed spend, Foodbuy partners with some of the biggest names in foodservice and hospitality, delivering expert procurement solutions that save time, money, and help our clients focus on what matters most.

What you’ll do

• Lead the Hot Beverages category: Develop and deliver a 3‑year category strategy and income growth plan.
• Own supplier relationships: Manage contracts, conduct quarterly reviews, and maximise commercial value.
• Drive innovation and growth: Identify opportunities to optimise quality, margins, and supply chain compliance.
• Lead and inspire: Provide guidance and development to a Category Buyer.
• Deliver market leadership: Use data and insights to stay ahead of competitors and create value for clients.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in buying or procurement, ideally with tea or coffee expertise.
• A world‑class negotiator with strong commercial acumen.
• Skilled in project management, able to juggle multiple priorities.
• Analytical and data‑driven, with the ability to turn insights into action.
• A natural leader who holds people accountable and drives results.

Why join Foodbuy?

• Be part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking team in a business that influences the entire foodservice industry.
• Work on high‑impact projects with some of the biggest names in hospitality.
• Enjoy a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Ready to brew up success?
Apply today and help us shape the future of Hot Beverages at Foodbuy