Food Category Manager

We’re looking for an experienced Category Manager to lead the development and delivery of category strategies across the UK & Ireland. You’ll be responsible for driving commercial performance, delivering sustainable value, managing supplier relationships, and implementing sourcing strategies that support both regional and global business objectives.

Working closely with stakeholders across Supply Management, Finance, Supplier Relationship Management, and global procurement teams, you’ll identify opportunities to drive savings, improve profitability, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier performance.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies across the UK & Ireland.
• Deliver cost savings, commercial value, and improved supplier performance.
• Negotiate regional agreements and secure the best commercial terms.
• Manage supplier relationships and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Lead a pipeline of category projects and initiatives, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and timelines.
• Collaborate with global procurement teams to align local and global category strategies.
• Drive responsible sourcing and sustainability initiatives across your categories.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance requirements, and due diligence processes.
• Balance the differing business and market requirements across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to influence decision-making and maximise value.

What We’re Looking For

• 3-5 years’ experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Strategic Buying.
• Proven experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills.
• Experience working within a matrix or multinational organisation.
• Degree educated and working towards CIPS, ISM, or equivalent qualification.
• Food & Beverage procurement and category management experience.
• Knowledge of food supply chains, supplier markets, product specifications, and food safety standards.
• Experience across categories including grocery, dairy, fresh and frozen food, meat and poultry, bakery, soft drinks, and hot beverages.

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