Category Manager - Hot Beverages

As part of continued growth, they are now looking for a Category Manager – Hot Beverages to take ownership of a high-profile category worth c. £30m in annual spend. This is a strategic, commercially focused role reporting into the Head of Category – Retail, with exposure to senior stakeholders and significant influence across the wider retail spend of c. £300m.

📍 London (2–3 days per week in the office, remainder remote)
Up to £65,000 + 20% bonus + excellent benefits

The Opportunity

This role offers full accountability for the strategic direction, commercial performance and supplier partnerships across the Hot Beverages category (tea, coffee and associated products). You’ll lead category strategy, supplier performance, income growth planning and team development, while ensuring best-in-class procurement delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the 3-year category strategy and income growth plan
• Manage day-to-day supplier and contract performance, including quarterly business reviews
• Maximise commercial value through strategic sourcing, rebate optimisation and margin delivery
• Drive compliance across approved product lists and supply chain frameworks
• Lead implementation of sourcing initiatives and ensure seamless distributor service levels
• Use market intelligence and data insights to create competitive advantage
• Provide leadership and development to a Category Buyer
• Influence stakeholders across the UK & Ireland to capture and deliver business requirements

What We’re Looking For

We’re keen to speak with buying or procurement professionals with tea or coffee category experience who bring:

• Proven commercial acumen and world-class negotiation skills
• Strong track record of delivering category growth and margin improvement
• Experience building and managing strategic supplier relationships
• Advanced analytical capability – able to interpret complex data and translate into actionable strategy
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple initiatives
• Confident leadership style with experience developing and holding team members accountable

What’s on Offer

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience
• 20% performance-related bonus
• Hybrid working (2–3 days London office)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Access to exclusive employee discounts and perks platform
• Extensive training and development programmes
• Clear progression opportunities within a market-leading organisation

If you’re a commercially driven Category Manager with a passion for hot beverages and a desire to shape strategy within a large-scale food services environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Talent Drive are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We review all applicants on equal merit and we do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.