Category Development Manager – Beers & Spirits Location: London (with travel to client & supplier sites)
Business Area: Foodbuy
Join Foodbuy – The UK’s Leading Food Procurement Organisation Foodbuy is a market-leading procurement organisation with over £2bn of managed spend, supporting some of the UK’s biggest foodservice and hospitality clients. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we combine scale, expertise, and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding commercial value and innovative solutions for our clients.
We are now looking for a skilled and commercially driven Category Development Manager (Beers & Spirits) to take ownership of a strategic, high-profile category with a managed spend of approximately £60m, contributing to a wider £126m portfolio.
Alcoholic beverages play a vital role across our client base — from independent pubs to major stadiums and well-known public venues. This role is ideal for someone with industry experience who can hit the ground running.
The Role As Category Development Manager, you will:
*Lead strategic development of the Beers & Spirits category, creating a robust three-year growth and income plan.
*Manage supplier and contract relationships, including quarterly business reviews and performance oversight.
*Develop market-driven insights and use competitor data to strengthen Foodbuy’s market position.
*Drive supply chain performance, ensuring contracted manufacturers deliver against service expectations.
*Identify commercial opportunities that enhance client value and category performance.
*Work closely with internal teams across retail, commercial and supply chain.
*Support new business bids, mobilisations and operational projects within the sector.
*Travel to client and supplier sites as required.
What We’re Looking ForExperience & Knowledge *Strong background in the Beers & Spirits sector.
*Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to deliver against stretching targets.
*Proven experience in supplier management, negotiation and complex contract delivery.
*Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
*Experience managing multiple projects with cross-functional teams.
*Comfortable working in a fast-paced, pressurised environment.
*Passion for sustainability and supporting CSR objectives.
Your Behaviours & Leadership Style We’re seeking someone who:
*Sets high standards and champions quality.
*Takes responsibility and drives priorities effectively.
*Embraces collaboration, diverse thinking and ethical working.
*Influences effectively and challenges constructively.
*Brings energy, positivity and a "can-do" approach.
*Helps others grow and celebrates team success.
Why Join Foodbuy? Joining Foodbuy means becoming part of a dynamic team at the heart of a FTSE 100 organisation. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to:
*Shape strategy for a major category with national impact.
*Build relationships with leading brands and suppliers.
*Deliver commercial success for a wide range of clients.
*Access excellent career development pathways within Compass Group.
*Work in a business that values innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
How to Apply If you’re commercially driven, passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry, and eager to influence a high-profile category within one of the UK’s most respected procurement organisations, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the future of Beers & Spirits at Foodbuy.
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