Category Manager

Chertsey, Surrey
Compass Group

Category ManagerCategory Manager – Beers & Spirits
£Competitive salary
Hybrid role
Benefits Include:

• Private medical insurance
• Bonus scheme
• Perks at Work access
• Free meals onsite
• First class training and development

Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation based in the UK. With over £1bn of managed spend, we bring together the widest range of foodservice and hospitality clients on the planet to buy food, and everything associated with it. We work closely with our clients to deliver expert procurement services saving them both time and money and enabling them to focus on what really matters to their businesses.
We are looking to hire a Category Development Manager to take overall accountability for the management of the strategic Beers and Spirits category. You will be responsible for planning and executing Beers wine and spirits Procurement strategy and identifying value and commercial gains as well as unlocking contract renewals and new innovational business requirements .The Category encompasses a broad spectrum of Brands and client requirements which are crucial for Foodbuy growth opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:

• Management and leading the end-to-end procurement process across all Compass and Foodbuy Group lead projects
• Defining in collaboration within our internal teams and sales team on the strategy for all new Foodbuy lead contracts whilst identifying the best commercial value model.
• Understanding how you contribute to the wider Foodbuy Group with regards to savings and your category
• Supporting on our RFX sourcing framework and drive competition through running robust end-to- end tenders, negotiations and eAuctions; making data driven decisions based on facts and analysis of total cost of ownership
• Cultivate and develop continued positive relationships with all internal and external stakeholders which will help to deliver the category Procurement strategies to realize business savings.
• Work alongside our brand Commerical Directors and GPO clients to execute transformation projects and working with key stakeholders
• Support innovation and Sustainability goals for end clients
• Build and be part of the delivery of category plans by being at the forefront of innovative and collaborative relationships to help deliver for our end clients
• Actively minimize revenue and capital costs through improved use of tools and processes.
• Consistently track and report on savings targets
• Communicates the value of the Procurement function to the business

Skills and experience required:

• Highly results oriented and analytical
• Confident presenter and able to work across different levels of seniority
• Experience in the alcohol industry and procurement
• Strong negotiation skills and experience running sourcing events
• Has a grasp of the alcohol industry and the nuances of working with vendor brands
• Natural and articulate around management. Good listening skills.
• Can deliver and influence communication concisely and steer conversation to influence decisions needed.
• Strong decision maker, with a strong commercial acumen who is comfortable working under pressure
• Proven ability to reduce cost against tough market backdrops
• Evidence of an ability to work cross-functionally
• Advanced computer skills including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Analytical and methodical
• The ability to multi-task, remain calm under pressure and always maintain a strategic viewpoint
• Genuine team player
• Interest and keen to learn about sustainability and materials
• Customer and market focus – stays close to customers, suppliers & competitors to create market leadership for the business
• Competent with procurement systems, ideally having used these in current/previous employment

We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Regular emails filled with the best discounts and savings available
• Receive Wow Points every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearn