Category Manager (Food & Beverage)

Location: London, UK
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000

Overview

A London-based food business is seeking an experienced Category Manager to oversee procurement activities across food and beverage categories. The role focuses on cost management, supplier performance, category strategy, and supporting commercial growth.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management

• Lead procurement activity for assigned food and beverage categories.
• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor market trends, pricing movements, and product availability.

Cost & Margin Management

• Conduct cost analysis and benchmarking.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms to support margin improvement.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and value optimisation.

Supplier Management

• Source, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers and products.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, service levels, and compliance.
• Conduct supplier reviews and support risk management activities.

Product & Innovation Support

• Work with internal teams, including NPD, to support product development and innovation.
• Identify new product opportunities to enhance the overall category offering.

Tender & Commercial Support

• Provide procurement input for tender submissions, including costings and supplier information.
• Support the commercial team with data, insights, and procurement guidance.

Project Management

• Manage procurement-related projects from initiation to completion.
• Ensure deadlines, budgets, and deliverables are met.

Compliance

• Ensure procurement activity adheres to internal policies and ethical sourcing standards.
• Maintain accurate procurement data and documentation.

Requirements

• 4+ years’ experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain within the food industry.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and commercial skills.
• Experience managing suppliers and delivering cost improvements.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in procurement systems and Google Suite (or equivalent).
• CIPS qualification preferred.
• Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular reviews.
• Food-related perks, including product samples and discounts.
• Exposure to a fast-growing food business with opportunities for development.