Category Manager

Location: London (with travel to client & supplier sites)
Business Area: Foodbuy

Foodbuy is a market‑leading procurement organisation with over £2bn of managed spend, supporting some of the UK’s biggest foodservice and hospitality clients. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we combine scale, expertise, and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding commercial value and innovative solutions for our clients.

We are now looking for a skilled and commercially driven Category Development Manager (Beers & Spirits) to take ownership of a strategic, high‑profile category with a managed spend of approximately £60m, contributing to a wider £126m portfolio.

Alcoholic beverages play a vital role across our client base — from independent pubs to major stadiums and well‑known public venues. This role is ideal for someone with industry experience who can hit the ground running.

As Category Development Manager, you will:

• Lead strategic development of the Beers & Spirits category, creating a robust three‑year growth and income plan.
• Manage supplier and contract relationships, including quarterly business reviews and performance oversight.
• Develop market‑driven insights and use competitor data to strengthen Foodbuy’s market position.
• Drive supply chain performance, ensuring contracted manufacturers deliver against service expectations.
• Identify commercial opportunities that enhance client value and category performance.
• Work closely with internal teams across retail, commercial and supply chain.
• Support new business bids, mobilisations and operational projects within the sector.
• Travel to client and supplier sites as required.

• Strong background in the Beers & Spirits sector.
• Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to deliver against stretching targets.
• Proven experience in supplier management, negotiation and complex contract delivery.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience managing multiple projects with cross‑functional teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, pressurised environment.
• Passion for sustainability and supporting CSR objectives.

We’re seeking someone who:

• Sets high standards and champions quality.
• Takes responsibility and drives priorities effectively.
• Embraces collaboration, diverse thinking and ethical working.
• Influences effectively and challenges constructively.
• Brings energy, positivity and a “can‑do” approach.
• Helps others grow and celebrates team success.

Joining Foodbuy means becoming part of a dynamic team at the heart of a FTSE 100 organisation. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape strategy for a major category with national impact.
• Build relationships with leading brands and suppliers.
• Deliver commercial success for a wide range of clients.
• Access excellent career development pathways within Compass Group.
• Work in a business that values innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.

If you’re commercially driven, passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry, and eager to influence a high‑profile category within one of the UK’s most respected procurement organisations, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of Beers & Spirits at Foodbuy.

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