Food Category Development Director

Role overview

This opportunity is with a leading procurement organisation that works with some of the best-known names in UK hospitality and foodservice. The business is seeking a Food Category Development Director to take ownership of the commercial direction and strategic growth of its food categories.

The role carries responsibility for the full category agenda across both core and specialist food ranges. The aim is to strengthen client value through strong supplier partnerships, informed market analysis, and modern procurement approaches.

It is a strong fit for an accomplished Category Development Director or Procurement Director who wants greater scope, visibility, and career progression within a business that can match ambition with opportunity.

Key responsibilities

• Create, refine, and implement strategy across the full portfolio of food categories.
• Oversee supplier sourcing, negotiations, and contract administration to secure strong value and quality outcomes.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team made up of category managers and buyers.
• Develop long-term supplier partnerships and run joint business planning sessions.
• Use market intelligence and commodity trends to guide pricing and procurement decisions.
• Work closely with commercial and client-facing teams to help retain business and support growth.
• Spot opportunities to reduce costs, improve products, and make supply chains more efficient.
• Maintain compliance with food safety requirements, sustainability goals, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Track category performance, margin delivery, and key performance indicators.

Candidate profile

The ideal person will bring senior-level procurement experience within foodservice, hospitality, retail, or food and beverage distribution. They should have a strong background in supplier negotiation, contract management, and the delivery of multi-category food procurement activity.

Leadership experience is essential, along with a commercially focused mindset, solid financial understanding, and confident stakeholder management. The role also requires experience working in client-facing environments.

Compensation and benefits

The package is stated as a salary of GBP 130,000 plus benefits.

Additional information

The role is described as hybrid in the source text, while the location is listed as Hackney, England, United Kingdom.

No opening count, start date, or application deadline has been provided in the source.

If you would like to discuss the role further, you would normally be invited to make contact directly with the recruiter.