Category Manager - Food

Job Introduction

Sodexo is looking for a Category Manager – Food to lead sourcing strategies across the UK & Ireland. This role focuses on driving commercial performance, ensuring supply continuity, and advancing sustainability across food categories. You’ll collaborate globally, manage a pipeline of strategic projects, and build strong stakeholder relationships while tailoring approaches to UK and ROI market needs.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers  

Main Responsibilities 

Category Management

• Manage autonomously the assigned categories under the scope of responsibility.
• Establish close relationship with the Supply relationship management and Business Partner teams  
• Ensure a good alignment and on boarding of the key stakeholders within the Service Operations platform.
• Generate savings and increase revenues

Improve profitability by optimising agreements and alignment with global contracts  

• Negotiate regional agreements and secure best net prices
• Generate savings and improve commercial terms

Set up, initiate and maintain professional relationships with the regional supplier network in order to :

• Reinforce the image and the credibility of Sodexo
• Identify the technological developments and innovations from the supplier base

Working with Supply Management Finance to ensure robust reporting and measurement of the Global Supply Management performance.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements 

 The Ideal Candidate 

• • Experience in Buying / Category Management 
  • Ability in working in a multi-cultural and matrix environment
  • Proven-track records in contract negotiation
  • Strong presentation skills both verbally and written  
  • Graduate calibre and working towards CIPS/ISM or equivalent qualification
  • Team player with excellent communication and influencing skills
  • Financial acumen and result orientated
  • Fluency in English; French / Spanish a plus.
  • Flexible for international travel where required

Package Description

Competitive Salary plus Bonus 

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.