Category Buying Manager

• Take full ownership of a specific product category, with responsibility for its development, performance and growth.
• Analyse market trends, customer needs and competitor activity to identify opportunities for category expansion and NPD.
• Ownership for the P&L in your categories including sales and profit margin.
• Establish and nurture strong, long-term relationships with suppliers.
• Act as the key point of contact between the company and suppliers to resolve issues and improve performance.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and ensure the best possible value for the company.
• Manage and support a Buyer and Supply Planner, providing guidance, mentorship and development opportunities.
• Ensure your team is aligned with category goals and has the resources needed to succeed in their roles.
• Work closely with Supply Planner to ensure effective inventory management, forecasting and demand planning.
• Track and report on the performance of the category, including sales, margins, stock turnover and supplier performance.

• Proven experience as a Buying Manager or Category Manager in the food service industry, with a strong understanding of supply chain, procurement and stock management.
• Experience with category-specific systems and tools i.e. inventory management software, ERP systems, etc.
• Strong negotiation skills, with a track record of securing competitive pricing and favourable terms.
• Experience in managing and leading a team, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop talent.
• Excellent supplier relationship management skills and the ability to build long-term partnerships.
• A solid understanding of the food service industry trends, customer needs, and market dynamics.
• Highly analytical and proficient in all aspects of Microsoft Office with strong Excel skills

• Fancy volunteering? We will give you one day off a year to take part in volunteering.
• Generous discounts on our products
• Cycle to Work Scheme that offers discounted bikes and cycling equipment.
• Donate through your pay to a charity of your choice. The money is simply deducted through your pay before tax, so for every pound you donate, the 20p that usually goes to tax will go to the charity instead!
• We also have a range of employee assistance services which can be tailored to give you support on various matters such as financial, health and wellbeing advice.
• We treat our teams to a free meal every few months, from our visiting fish & chip van, to freshly made bacon baps from our in-house chefs

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