Head of Category

Head of Category

Epsom – Hybrid

Competitive + Excellent Benefits

Role Profile

Bunzl Catering Supplies, part of the Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division, is the leading distributor of disposables, packaging and hygiene solutions to the hospitality and catering sectors in the UK. Delivering to a variety of different customers in both the private and public sector from small independent cafe owners, local health trusts and schools to national hotel and restaurant chains.

As the exclusive recruitment partner for Bunzl Catering, Cast UK are leading the search for a Head of Category to be based at their head office in Epsom.

You will be accountable for the overall performance of the category and responsible for using data and insights to develop the category and promotional plans. You will be responsible for understanding the trends in the category and analysing performance in order to ensure the right stocks are held and to ensure the right product mix.

You will be responsible for developing strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders and delivering category presentations to these stakeholders. You will also be responsible for ensuring that the category is compliant with all relevant legislation and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, induct, train, and retain staff of the required number and calibre.
• Continuously assess staff against identified performance criteria and address issues of performance and conduct within the branch and deal with these by applying Bunzl HR policies.
• Ensure all training requirements are met and regularly reviewed.
• Ensure consistent delivery of Procurement solutions in alignment with the businesses needs.
• Deliver quality, service and value for money, consistently, to all areas of business.
• Consolidate and reduce the supply chain
• Work closely with management team to agree and deliver the purchasing strategy, contribute to Bunzl UK&I purchasing strategy. Represent the purchasing function at all required meetings, events and conferences.
• Negotiation of all pricing, rebates, marketing agreements, catalogue contributions and early payment discounts
• Assess tenders from potential suppliers
• Reduce COGS
• Sourcing, selection, benchmarking and due diligence of products and suppliers
• Manage new product introduction process
• Driving Innovation into Sector – Targeting First to Market Product Positioning with Core Strategic Supply Partners
• Managing the performance of suppliers
• Rationalisation of SKU's and Suppliers
• Research market trends, identifying and reviewing new products and suppliers and ensuring compliance with Bunzl CR policies.
• Conduct business planning and analysis in respect of current operating practices, collect, assimilate and present business operating information.
• Enter into strategic and operational relationships with the major stakeholders in the business to drive operational efficiency
• Actively build relationships with external suppliers
• Ensure that all major tenders/ enquires are managed

Skills & Experience

• Proven management experience of managing teams of 3
• Excellent analytical, problem–solving, and decision–making skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to use data and insights to inform decisions

Remuneration and Benefits

• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays, with an option to buy up to 5 more days)
• Bunzl Share Save option
• Life Cover (3 times Gross Salary)
• Bunzl Personal Pension Plan (up to 5% contributed)
• Option to join Bunzl HSF Healthcare Plan

About Cast UK

Cast UK is a leading executive consultancy, providing national recruitment solutions to both clients and candidates. Specialising in HR, Procurement, Buying, Supply Chain, and Logistics, each member of our specialist team has a professional background specific to their recruiting sector. With this unique insight and knowledge, our consultants are able to place individuals from trainee through to main board. For more information on Cast UK and a complete list of all of our current vacancies, please visit (url removed).