Food Category Manager
Posted 9 days ago
- Islington, Greater London
- Any
- External
- Expires In 3 months
About Us
Artfam is a one of a kind business. With its unique ethos, Artfarm has changed peoples expectations of what a hotel or restaurant can be. That power has come from a team who at every level share the beliefs, passions and ambitions of its founders, Iwan and Manuela Wirth.
The Headquarters team at Artfarm are situated in either Somerset or London, although much of the team London team primarily work remotely with the office acting as a base for key meetings.
The role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Food Category Manager to oversee and drive the strategy, development, and performance of our food product categories. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of consumer trends, supplier management, and category optimisation to ensure profitability and market competitiveness. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
What success looks like
Category Strategy & Development:
Develop and implement category strategies to drive growth, market share, and profitability.
Identify and evaluate market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive activity to inform category decisions.
Define and manage the product assortment, ensuring it meets customer needs and aligns with company objectives.
Supplier Management:
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating terms, pricing, and contracts to secure the best value.
Conduct regular performance reviews with suppliers to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, and service standards.
Identify new suppliers and products that can enhance the category portfolio.
Product Management:
Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of products within the category, from sourcing and development to launch and discontinuation.
Collaborate with the product development team to innovate and introduce new products that meet market demand.
Ensure products meet all regulatory requirements and quality standards.
Financial Management:
Analyse category performance metrics, including sales, margins, and inventory levels, to identify opportunities for improvement.
Implement pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management:
Collaborate with the Procurement team and the Head of Sustainability to optimise logistics across the group, ensuring the provision meets operational needs at the lowest possible cost and environmental impact.
Monitor stock levels, ensuring timely replenishment and minimising out-of-stock situations.
System & Technology Integration:
Utilise Adaco for effective category management, including inventory control, procurement, and supplier management.
Ensure the system is fully integrated with operational processes to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
Collaboration with Executive Chefs:
Work closely with Executive Chefs to understand menu requirements, forecast demand, margin and ensure product availability.
Collaborate on product development initiatives to align with culinary innovation and customer preferences.
Support chefs in good margin practices and reporting on group food margins
Like all roles at Artfarm, you can expect your time at work to be fun, varied and challenging. As well as fulfilling the duties and responsibilities on your job description, we know from experience that jobs can evolve throughout the lifetime of a role and this in turn gives our people the chance to play to their strengths.
What makes a brilliant Food Category Manager ?
Proven experience in category management, procurement, or a similar role within the food industry.
Strong understanding of consumer trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes in the food sector.
Proven experience in supplier negotiation and relationship management.
Experience working with Adaco or similar systems is highly desirable.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel; experience with category management software is a plus.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams.
Take ownership of your personal development within your role and attend training where required.
Be an Artfarm ambassador!
Be yourself! Thats who were hiring. Our culture celebrates and supports the differences that makes each of us unique.
Weve got some core values that run through everything that we do, wed love it if these values resonate with you too! Sustainability is at the heart of Artfarm and every one of the team has a role to play in protecting our planet.
Whats in it for you?
Competitive pay plus opportunity to grow
25 days plus bank holidays
Health benefit - health cash plan
Employee Assistance Programme
Local discounts and incentives
Savings at thousands of retailers via our online discounts portal
Optional pension plan
Life Assurance
Cycle to work & electirc car scheme
Training and development opportunities
Want to join the family? Apply today!
TPBN1_UKCT
Artfam is a one of a kind business. With its unique ethos, Artfarm has changed peoples expectations of what a hotel or restaurant can be. That power has come from a team who at every level share the beliefs, passions and ambitions of its founders, Iwan and Manuela Wirth.
The Headquarters team at Artfarm are situated in either Somerset or London, although much of the team London team primarily work remotely with the office acting as a base for key meetings.
The role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Food Category Manager to oversee and drive the strategy, development, and performance of our food product categories. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of consumer trends, supplier management, and category optimisation to ensure profitability and market competitiveness. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
What success looks like
Category Strategy & Development:
Develop and implement category strategies to drive growth, market share, and profitability.
Identify and evaluate market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive activity to inform category decisions.
Define and manage the product assortment, ensuring it meets customer needs and aligns with company objectives.
Supplier Management:
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating terms, pricing, and contracts to secure the best value.
Conduct regular performance reviews with suppliers to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, and service standards.
Identify new suppliers and products that can enhance the category portfolio.
Product Management:
Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of products within the category, from sourcing and development to launch and discontinuation.
Collaborate with the product development team to innovate and introduce new products that meet market demand.
Ensure products meet all regulatory requirements and quality standards.
Financial Management:
Analyse category performance metrics, including sales, margins, and inventory levels, to identify opportunities for improvement.
Implement pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management:
Collaborate with the Procurement team and the Head of Sustainability to optimise logistics across the group, ensuring the provision meets operational needs at the lowest possible cost and environmental impact.
Monitor stock levels, ensuring timely replenishment and minimising out-of-stock situations.
System & Technology Integration:
Utilise Adaco for effective category management, including inventory control, procurement, and supplier management.
Ensure the system is fully integrated with operational processes to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
Collaboration with Executive Chefs:
Work closely with Executive Chefs to understand menu requirements, forecast demand, margin and ensure product availability.
Collaborate on product development initiatives to align with culinary innovation and customer preferences.
Support chefs in good margin practices and reporting on group food margins
Like all roles at Artfarm, you can expect your time at work to be fun, varied and challenging. As well as fulfilling the duties and responsibilities on your job description, we know from experience that jobs can evolve throughout the lifetime of a role and this in turn gives our people the chance to play to their strengths.
What makes a brilliant Food Category Manager ?
Proven experience in category management, procurement, or a similar role within the food industry.
Strong understanding of consumer trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes in the food sector.
Proven experience in supplier negotiation and relationship management.
Experience working with Adaco or similar systems is highly desirable.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel; experience with category management software is a plus.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams.
Take ownership of your personal development within your role and attend training where required.
Be an Artfarm ambassador!
Be yourself! Thats who were hiring. Our culture celebrates and supports the differences that makes each of us unique.
Weve got some core values that run through everything that we do, wed love it if these values resonate with you too! Sustainability is at the heart of Artfarm and every one of the team has a role to play in protecting our planet.
Whats in it for you?
Competitive pay plus opportunity to grow
25 days plus bank holidays
Health benefit - health cash plan
Employee Assistance Programme
Local discounts and incentives
Savings at thousands of retailers via our online discounts portal
Optional pension plan
Life Assurance
Cycle to work & electirc car scheme
Training and development opportunities
Want to join the family? Apply today!
TPBN1_UKCT