Category Lead – Food Procurement
Your Consultant
Beth Adams
This is a senior procurement leadership role within a leading food service brand. Working closely with the Head of Procurement, you will define and deliver category strategy across a large, complex food portfolio, driving commercial performance, supplier value and continuous improvement.
You will take ownership of c. £80m annual spend across food categories including fresh produce, meat and poultry, dairy, food-to-go and vending, while directly managing and developing a team of buyers.
Location: Hybrid – 2 days per week on-site in Cheshire, West Yorkshire, or Surrey
Contract: Permanent
Opportunity: Newly available due to internal promotion
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and develop a team of buyers, delivering savings, retention and category growth
- Define and execute category strategies aligned to business objectives
- Set and oversee supplier and contract management strategy, including performance reviews and governance
- Manage a complex food supply base to maximise value, service and compliance
- Drive implementation of agreed ranges, services and supply chains post-sourcing
- Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver commercial and operational KPIs
- Identify and resolve commercial, operational or supplier risks
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Strong experience in food procurement, food service or FMCG
- Proven experience managing direct reports within a procurement or commercial team
- Excellent commercial acumen with demonstrable savings delivery
- Experience managing complex food supply chains and suppliers
- Confident decision-maker with strong analytical and stakeholder management skills
Desirable
- Experience in large, multi-site or regulated environments
Why Apply?
- Senior leadership role within a well-established food service organisation
- Opportunity created through internal progression
- Significant spend responsibility and influence
- Hybrid working with competitive salary and bonus
For more information please contact: beth@talentdrive.co.uk
Talent Drive are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We review all applicants on equal merit and we do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Your Consultant