Food Category Manager
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1956626/162598
- Location: Remote
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: Competitive salary
- Closing date: 16 October 2026
About the role
Category Manager
Location: Hybrid/Remote
Salary: Competitive
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced Category Manager to lead the development and delivery of category strategies across the UK & Ireland. You'll be responsible for driving commercial performance, delivering sustainable value, managing supplier relationships, and implementing sourcing strategies that support both regional and global business objectives.
Working closely with stakeholders across Supply Management, Finance, Supplier Relationship Management, and global procurement teams, you'll identify opportunities to drive savings, improve profitability, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier performance.
What You'll Do
- Develop and implement category sourcing strategies across the UK & Ireland.
- Deliver cost savings, commercial value, and improved supplier performance.
- Negotiate regional agreements and secure the best commercial terms.
- Manage supplier relationships and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Lead a pipeline of category projects and initiatives, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and timelines.
- Collaborate with global procurement teams to align local and global category strategies.
- Drive responsible sourcing and sustainability initiatives across your categories.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance requirements, and due diligence processes.
- Balance the differing business and market requirements across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to influence decision-making and maximise value.
What We're Looking For
- 3-5 years' experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Strategic Buying.
- Proven experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills.
- Experience working within a matrix or multinational organisation.
- Degree educated and working towards CIPS, ISM, or equivalent qualification.
Desirable
- Food & Beverage procurement and category management experience.
- Knowledge of food supply chains, supplier markets, product specifications, and food safety standards.
- Experience across categories including grocery, dairy, fresh and frozen food, meat and poultry, bakery, soft drinks, and hot beverages.
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater
You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.
In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
About The Company
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
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KEY BENEFITS
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Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Remote, United Kingdom
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Register your interest
Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.