Category Lead
| Posting date: | 23 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 January 2026 |
| Location: | Leeds, Chester, Chertsey, KT16 9BQ |
| Company: | Compass Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 206430 |
Summary
Category Lead
NHS Supply Chain | Foodbuy (Compass Group)
Location: Chertsey / Daresbury / Wakefield
Grade: D
Reports to: Head of Procurement – NHS
We’re looking for an experienced and commercially driven Category Lead – NHS to join NHS Supply Chain: Food, part of Foodbuy and Compass Group. This is a senior role with responsibility for defining and delivering category strategy, leading procurement activity and driving continuous improvement across a complex, high-value supply base.
Working closely with the Head of Procurement – NHS, you will shape and deliver the overarching procurement strategy and KPIs for NHS trusts, directing sourcing, supplier management and contract strategies across multiple frameworks and agreements.
You’ll lead a high-performing team of buyers and oversee approximately £80m of spend, covering a broad food portfolio including ready meals (DRPM), fresh produce, meat & poultry, dairy, food-to-go and vending.
Key ResponsibilitiesLead and develop a team of buyers to deliver year-on-year savings, savings retention and category growth
Define and execute category strategies aligned to NHS Supply Chain objectives and trust requirements
Act as process steward to capture business requirements and drive compliance to NHS Supply Chain frameworks
Ensure effective implementation of agreed ranges, services and supply chains following sourcing events
Develop and lead best-in-class supplier and contract management strategies, maximising commercial value and market share
Own supplier relationship strategies, including governance, performance management and quarterly business reviews
Build strong, collaborative relationships across account management, operations, finance and project teams
Develop compelling category propositions that support account teams in driving trust compliance
Deliver client KPIs, build credibility with NHS stakeholders and promote Foodbuy’s value as a Category Tower Service Provider
Analyse and resolve complex commercial and operational issues to protect and grow trust spend
Energise, inspire and develop your team with pace, passion and resilience
You’ll be a strategic, confident leader with strong commercial acumen and a proven ability to deliver results in complex environments.
Skills & Experience
Experience managing complex supplier, distributor and client relationships
Ideally experience within public sector procurement and associated legislation
Proven track record of leading high-performing commercial or procurement teams
Strong decision-maker, comfortable operating under pressure
Excellent analytical capability with the ability to interpret data and drive insight-led decisions
A collaborative, influential leader with a strong “can-do” mindset
Commercial & Leadership Strengths
A skilled negotiator with a focus on category development and market advantage
Accountable for team performance, outputs and commercial results
Confident managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Experienced in change management, with the ability to lead teams through transformation
High personal and professional integrity, with a commitment to ethical standards
Play a key role in delivering value and innovation to the NHS
Lead a significant, high-profile food category portfolio
Influence strategy at a senior level within a market-leading organisation
Be part of Foodbuy and Compass Group—combining scale, purpose and opportunity
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