Category Buyer

at  Holdsworth Foods

Holdsworth Foods is one of the UK’s largest independent foodservice distributors. We have a real passion for what we do and our business is built on the quality of service we provide. Our head office is based in Tideswell with depots across the country.
We are looking for a Category Buyer to lead and own Procurement activities for their assigned categories Fresh & Frozen Foods. This is an exciting opportunity, with clearly defined career pathways and progression opportunities to support you in your long-term career aspirations. This Category Buyer role is pivotal in implementing successful long-term improvement in Procurement, to maximise the best commercial results for the business.
You will directly liaise with stakeholders, using your influence to address and meet the needs of your category. You will also collaborate with the rest of the Procurement team and other stakeholders to ensure success.
Working for Holdsworth Foods, you can expect to join a company which prides itself on service. As well as a competitive salary we provide a staff discount on our amazing products, a healthcare cash plan, employee assistance programme, cycle to work and a pension scheme. The ideal candidate will be based out of the Tideswell or Bedford depot and will have the opportunity to work on a hybrid basis; however, other depot locations will be considered.

What the role involves:

• Manage supplier relationships and develop an effective business partnership with each supplier. Negotiate terms and prices, monitor their performance in your category and maintain good practice at all times.
• Agree key aims and objectives with the Procurement Manager for each supplier targeting products, pricing, promotions and bonuses, customer end user rebates, growth incentives and marketing support for their brands to be featured on our company platforms.
• Collaborate work with procurement colleagues and other departments – stock control, marketing, sales, finance and operations as required.
• Participate in product review meetings presenting market and product data with an analytical approach to market development and new product trends. Work closely with the Procurement Assistant and Administrator to support, improve and evolve our category management approach to the procurement department.
• Offer suggestions to improve the overall efficiency of the department and its key functions.
• Monitor and analyse competitor activity.
• Source new suppliers and develop strong relationships to secure best products and pricing.
• Manage and plan promotional product focus weeks with suppliers in conjunction with the agreed promotional calendar.
• This is a description of your duties and responsibilities at the present time, however this is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be required in line with the current and future needs of the business.

Person Specification

• Previous working experience as a Category Manager and/or buyer for two years or more
• Good understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel and data analysis
• Ideally have knowledge of the Foodservice Industry and product ranges
• Strong negotiating skills and the ability to multi task
• Excellent communication skills
• Team player
• Interest in food/food trends

• Manage supplier relationships and develop an effective business partnership with each supplier. Negotiate terms and prices, monitor their performance in your category and maintain good practice at all times.
• Agree key aims and objectives with the Procurement Manager for each supplier targeting products, pricing, promotions and bonuses, customer end user rebates, growth incentives and marketing support for their brands to be featured on our company platforms.
• Collaborate work with procurement colleagues and other departments – stock control, marketing, sales, finance and operations as required.
• Participate in product review meetings presenting market and product data with an analytical approach to market development and new product trends. Work closely with the Procurement Assistant and Administrator to support, improve and evolve our category management approach to the procurement department.
• Offer suggestions to improve the overall efficiency of the department and its key functions.
• Monitor and analyse competitor activity.
• Source new suppliers and develop strong relationships to secure best products and pricing.
• Manage and plan promotional product focus weeks with suppliers in conjunction with the agreed promotional calendar.
• This is a description of your duties and responsibilities at the present time, however this is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be required in line with the current and future needs of the business