Senior Global category manager
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1129899/149250.3
- Location: Hybrid - London or Stevenage
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: Competitive salary depending on experience
About the role
Join our dynamic procurement team as the Global Foodservice Category Manager, where you'll lead strategic sourcing across Kitchen Equipment, Foodservice Disposables, and Reusables. This pivotal role drives global category strategy and European sourcing initiatives, blending agile supply management with responsible sourcing innovation. You'll collaborate with regional buyers, operational leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to implement new supply processes, leverage eSourcing platforms, and share market intelligence. Ideal candidates bring deep procurement expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to influence across regions.
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 Strategy Development: Design and implement integrated foodservice category strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness and supplier performance.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with stakeholders from foodservice, including business segments, foodservice platform teams, marketing and global brands, as well as regional procurement teams to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with broader business goals.
- Supplier Market Insights: Research market trends, monitor supplier performance, and apply best practices to identify value-creation opportunities within the Foodservice categories.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with foodservice global suppliers and other key partners across Europe, promoting high standards in service delivery and cost efficiency.
- Contract & Compliance Oversight: Lead European contracting processes with Legal Counsel, setting clear SLAs, ensuring compliance, and negotiating terms aligned with best procurement practices.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Address data access and systems limitations to optimize decision-making, using data insights to guide strategies and achieve cost savings.
- Process Optimization: Leverage continuous improvement practices to enhance procurement processes, streamline cross-regional collaboration, and develop innovative approaches to category management.
- Market Research: Attend events, exhibitions, work with innovation teams, marketing and global brand teams to present innovative and sustainable disposable, reusable and kitchen equipment solutions to the business acting as a gatekeeper and innovator to drive market leadership.
Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements
The Ideal Candidate
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, or related field; MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification is advantageous.
- Experience: Extensive Experience in procurement with experience across multiple categories; a foundational background in Foodservice or packaging procurement is preferred.
- Strategic and Operational Balance: Skilled in both high-level strategy development and operational implementation, with the flexibility to adapt across categories.
- Relationship Building & Influence: Excellent interpersonal skills, adept at engaging and influencing stakeholders across various levels and cultures.
- Analytical Skills: Strong financial analysis, problem-solving abilities, and capability to manage complex procurement challenges.
- Continuous Improvement Orientation: Committed to enhancing procurement processes and pursuing innovative category management approaches.
- Languages: Fluent in English; proficiency in French or other languages can be an advantage.
Package Description
Competitive salary depending on experience + bonus + car allowance
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 - London or Stevenage, United Kingdom, SG1 2UA
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.