Senior Category manager - Retail (GSM-Food)
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1129899/159317
- Location: Hybrid - Stevenage
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: Competitive depending on experience
- Closing date: 21 July 2026
About the role
Sodexo is seeking a Senior Global Category Manager – Retail (Food) to lead and maximize value across our global retail portfolio. This strategic role is responsible for driving commercial growth, procurement excellence, supplier partnerships, and category governance to deliver sustainable business results.
Working with key stakeholders and suppliers worldwide, you will create value through revenue growth, margin improvement, cost optimization, innovation, sustainability initiatives, supply continuity, and risk mitigation. The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with strategic sourcing expertise to build high-performing supplier relationships and ensure resilient, responsible category management on a global scale.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Sodexo's retail food category and make a significant impact across our international business.
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 Growth Strategy
- Develop global category strategies that drive sales growth, margin expansion, operational efficiency and local implementation.
- Leverage Sodexo's scale while balancing local market needs, client requirements and regional priorities.
Value Optimization & Cost Leadership
- Deliver measurable savings, cost reduction, inflation avoidance and supplier productivity.
- Use demand management, specification optimization and scale benefits to improve profitability without compromising quality or service.
Strategic Procurement & Category Governance
- Define and execute sourcing strategies aligned with global category priorities and regional business needs.
- Lead category governance, supplier segmentation, contractual frameworks, compliance and commercial decision processes.
Revenue & Profit Growth
- Drive initiatives that increase retail sales, profitability and category performance.
- Partner with Marketing, Brand, Operations and Finance to convert supplier investment, data and innovation into commercial outcomes.
Strategic Supplier Management
- Lead key global supplier relationships across growth, cost competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, quality, service continuity and risk.
- Negotiate agreements and joint business plans that deliver profitability, savings, investment, innovation and supply resilience.
Governance, Risk & Resilience
- Manage risk across supply resilience, supplier financial health, geopolitical exposure, commodity volatility and market disruption.
- Ensure regulatory, contractual, quality, sustainability and ESG compliance, with mitigation plans to protect supply and performance.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as the global connector between Supply Management, Retail Operations, Marketing, Finance and regional teams.
- Build business cases, mobilize stakeholders and scale best practices across regions.
Performance Management
- Growth KPIs: revenue growth, gross margin improvement, supplier-funded initiatives, innovation and category adoption.
- Procurement KPIs: savings, inflation avoidance, supplier performance, compliance, sustainability and risk reduction.
Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate combines the mindset of a strategic procurement professional, retailer, and business developer.
Experience
- 10+ years' experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Commercial Management, Retail or FMCG.
- Proven delivery of revenue growth, margin improvement, savings, cost optimization and inflation mitigation.
- Experience leading supplier negotiations, contractual frameworks, procurement transformation and international category management.
- Strong influencing, stakeholder management, sourcing and supplier governance skills in a matrix environment.
Package Description
Competitive salary depending on experience
Hybrid - Stevenage
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.
Hybrid - Stevenage, United Kingdom, WC1B 5HA
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