Category Development Manager

Category Manager - Protein

Location: Chertsey & London
Salary: Competitive

Foodbuy is the UK’s leading food procurement organisation, managing over £2.5bn of spend and supporting a diverse range of foodservice and hospitality clients. We combine scale, data and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding value, innovation and sustainable sourcing solutions.

As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we work directly with manufacturers, growers and suppliers of all sizes, delivering best-in-class procurement expertise across the UK & Ireland.

We’re now looking for a Protein Category Manager to join our Food team, leading one of our most high-profile and commercially critical categories.

The Role

This is a key strategic role where you’ll take ownership of the protein category (including meat, poultry, fish and seafood), shaping and delivering long-term category strategies that drive growth, value and innovation.

You’ll lead supplier strategy, commercial negotiations and contract delivery, while working closely with culinary teams, sustainability experts and key stakeholders across the business.

With a focus on sustainability, provenance and responsible sourcing, you’ll play a pivotal role in influencing product development, improving supply chains and delivering best value for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a long-term category strategy across protein, driving improvements in cost, quality, service and innovation
• Lead supplier relationships, identifying new partners and building strong, strategic collaborations
• Deliver commercial targets, including inflation mitigation, value generation and volume growth
• Lead negotiations and contract renewals, securing sustainable commercial terms
• Build robust pricing and cost models across the supply base
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sustainability and quality standards
• Collaborate with chefs and culinary teams to support menu and product development
• Work closely with sustainability teams to drive carbon reduction and animal welfare initiatives
• Evaluate tenders and make recommendations based on commercial, technical and supply considerations
• Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities to enhance value
• Support internal stakeholders including sales, bids and account teams
• Represent Foodbuy at industry events and communicate market trends across the business

About You

• Currently operating as a Category Manager or Senior Category Buyer, ready to step into a more strategic role
• Strong commercial mindset, with experience delivering against stretching targets
• Proven ability to negotiate and influence suppliers at a senior level
• Highly analytical, confident working with data to inform decisions
• Passionate about sustainability, responsible sourcing and animal welfare
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, able to build credibility across the business
• Organised, resilient and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead and inspire others

Why Join Foodbuy?

• Own and shape a high-impact, business-critical category
• Work with leading suppliers and industry partners
• Play a key role in delivering sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives
• Be part of a high-performing, collaborative procurement function
• Excellent career development within a market-leading organisation