Buying Category Manager

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Buying Category Manager to lead the procurement and product strategy for our fast‑paced catering business operating across European airport locations. You will work closely with commercial, culinary and warehouse teams to ensure the right products are sourced, priced and delivered on time.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute a product strategy that drives sales and profit growth.
• Manage category performance against KPI’s, creating corrective action plans when needed.
• Conduct weekly trading reviews and flag potential issues or opportunities.
• Collaborate with commercial, materials, culinary and warehouse teams to keep product ranges on trend, on budget and on schedule.
• Lead new product development initiatives, go‑to‑market strategies and NDP launches.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, overseeing onboarding, qualification and performance.
• Handle buying administration, including contract creation, execution and supplier governance.
• Prepare and communicate product information for range presentations.

Required profile

• Proven experience in buying, category management or procurement within a retail or catering environment.
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, supplier contracts and KPI management.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multi‑site operation with tight timelines.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, both internal and external.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the product portfolio of a leading European catering business.
• Collaborative environment with cross‑functional teams.
• Competitive compensation package.