Senior Category Manager, Europe

Job Description

The Sysco European Merchandising Hub is currently recruiting for a Senior Category Manager (with Buying Responsibilities) to join the team on a Full Time, Permanent basis.

As the Senior Category Manager Senior Category Manager (with Buying Responsibilities), you will be responsible for the development, implementation and successful execution of category strategies and category management processes across designated product groups within the EU Merchandising Hub.

The role combines approximately 60-70% Category Management responsibilities and 30-40% Buying responsibilities.

You will act as the 100% Category Manager for Frozen Vegetables, Frozen Fruits and Frozen Potato categories, leading category strategy, assortment optimisation, innovation, supplier engagement, and performance management across Europe.

In parallel, you will serve as a Buyer and Category Manager for strategic new business development projects, including emerging and convenience product ranges, where you will take full ownership of both sourcing and category development activities from concept to launch.

This role will lead the European category management process for designated categories while also managing supplier sourcing and procurement activities for selected growth projects. All activities will align with Sysco’s legal, sustainability, brand, and FSQA standards to drive profitable category growth and support strategic business expansion.

This position offers a remote working arrangement from anywhere within the UK or Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the creation of optimised product ranges for Europe as a whole for Frozen Vegetables, Frozen Fruits and Frozen Potato categories, balancing European scale opportunities with local market needs.
• Lead the development and execution of category strategies, assortment architecture, supplier portfolio and innovation roadmaps for these categories.
• Manage the full end-to-end product lifecycle, identifying opportunities for product launches, range optimisation and discontinuations.
• Partner closely with local merchandising, commercial and procurement teams to ensure category strategies deliver sustainable growth and customer relevance.
• Make fact-based decisions using Sysco internal data, supplier insights, market intelligence, competitor analysis and category performance data.
• Drive category growth, profitability and Sysco Brand penetration across assigned categories.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships, supporting innovation, performance improvement and long-term partnership objectives.
• Identify and proactively mitigate supply chain and market risks within the category portfolio.

Buying Responsibilities (30-40%)

• Lead sourcing activities for new strategic projects and emerging categories, including convenience products and other growth platforms.
• Act as both Buyer and Category Manager for assigned development projects, managing supplier selection, negotiations, commercial terms and range development.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers that support Sysco’s growth ambitions, quality standards and sustainability objectives.
• Deliver procurement initiatives that generate value through cost optimisation, innovation, service improvement and supply security.
• Collaborate with FSQA, Supply Chain, Sustainability and Commercial teams to ensure successful product implementation and supplier compliance.
• Support business case development and strategic decision-making related to new product and category opportunities.

You

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic and evolving international environment and brings a strong blend of Category Management and Purchasing expertise.

You will have significant experience in category management, sourcing and supplier management, ideally within foodservice, retail, FMCG or the food manufacturing industry. You are comfortable balancing long-term category strategy with hands-on procurement and negotiation activities.

You have a proven track record of driving sales, margin improvement, category growth and procurement value through effective category management and commercial sourcing strategies. You are highly analytical and able to leverage consumer insights, supplier intelligence, market data and financial analysis to support fact-based decision-making.

Experience managing cross-functional projects, launching new product ranges, and negotiating with suppliers at a European or international level would be highly advantageous.

You are proactive, resilient and collaborative, with the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple countries and functions. Proficiency in English is required, with additional European languages considered an asset.

What you'll receive:

• Car/ Travel Allowance: £7000 per annum
• Annual Incentive Plan: Be rewarded for achieved objectives
• Private Medical: Single Cover
• Early Access to Your Earnings: Use our dedicated Wage Stream app to access your earned salary whenever you need it, helping you manage your finances with ease and confidence.
• Flexible Time Off: Take advantage of the option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Comprehensive Wellbeing & Health Support: Benefit from our Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential mental health support, 24/7 GP appointments, physiotherapy, flu vaccinations, eye tests and a wide range of health services for you and your family.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan designed to help you plan long term.
• Life Assurance: Peace of mind with life assurance coverage designed to protect you and your loved ones.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy access to Sysco Perks, where you’ll find discounts on everything from gym memberships to your weekly grocery shop.
• Special Sysco Product Discounts: Get the chance to purchase our food products at significantly reduced prices.
• Free Mortgage Advice: Navigate the property market with confidence thanks to complimentary expert mortgage guidance.
• Enhanced Family-Friendly Leave: Our policies support you through important life moments, offering greater flexibility and care for you and your family.

Additional Information

At Sysco International everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’ we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Sysco International and we recognise that Sysco International can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.