Category Buying Manager

Are you a commercially driven Category Buyer, Senior Buyer or Category Manager with experience across food, FMCG, foodservice or retail?

We're working on a confidential opportunity with a growing international food and supply business, looking for a commercially sharp procurement professional to take ownership of a key food category.

This is a role for someone who enjoys being hands-on, commercially involved and close to the detail - from supplier negotiations and category strategy through to margin improvement, product development and supply chain performance.

You'll take ownership of a significant food category, developing and implementing category and supplier strategies that deliver commercial value while maintaining a resilient and effective supply base.

You'll work closely with teams across Supply Chain, Product Development, Technical, Commercial and Operations, giving you genuine exposure across the wider business.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing category and supplier strategies
• Managing and developing supplier relationships
• Leading commercial negotiations, contracts and agreements
• Identifying and delivering cost savings and margin improvement
• Monitoring market trends, pricing and supply chain risks
• Driving supplier performance and continuous improvement
• Supporting new product development and sourcing initiatives
• Managing supplier onboarding, reporting and action plans
• Working cross-functionally to ensure product availability and service levels
• Using market and category insight to identify new commercial opportunities

We're looking for someone with a strong food procurement / buying background who can combine strategic thinking with a hands-on commercial approach.

Ideally, you'll have experience within:

• Dairy / chilled / fresh food categories - cheese experience would be particularly relevant
• Foodservice, FMCG, retail, wholesale, convenience or a similar fast-paced environment
• Category management, strategic sourcing or senior buying
• Supplier negotiation and relationship management
• Cost reduction, margin optimisation and commercial analysis
• Managing multiple suppliers and/or categories

Experience across adjacent categories such as premium food categories would also be considered.

What We're Looking For

You'll be commercially astute, confident negotiating with suppliers and comfortable influencing stakeholders across different functions.

This is an environment where you'll need to be proactive, entrepreneurial and comfortable getting stuck in. We're not looking for someone who wants to operate within a narrow procurement silo - you'll have broad responsibility and the opportunity to make a visible commercial impact.

Strong analytical, negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills are essential.

What's On Offer?

• Up to 15% discretionary bonus
• 25 days' holiday + birthday + bank holidays
• Private medical cover
• Life cover
• Income protection
• Critical illness cover
• Pension
• Hybrid working - 3 days in the Windsor office / 2 days from home
• Occasional supplier travel