Head of Category

1 month ago


Surrey UK, South East England, United Kingdom Mackenzie Jones Full time

Head of Category (Protein & Produce) Leading FMCG Brand

Salary: £120,000 to £140,000 per annum + Car Allowance, Up to 30% Bonus, Pension, Healthcare, Life Insurance, and Holiday Benefits

Location: Surrey – Hybrid (2-3 days office-based, up to 20% travel)


Our Client

An award-winning FMCG company with a strong presence across Europe, known for its iconic brands and commitment to delivering high-quality, convenient, and sustainable food solutions. Focused on innovation, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility, the company caters to diverse consumer needs while providing nutritious and accessible food choices.


Primary Responsibilities:

The successful professional in this role will lead the creation and execution of procurement and growth strategies, driving value through simplification and standardization of specifications across key raw material categories. Managing a team of seven category and senior category professionals, they will focus on providing strategic direction rather than direct operational responsibilities. By collaborating with internal stakeholders, they will challenge existing specifications and introduce external insights to identify opportunities for improvement. A strong understanding of market dynamics and sourcing strategies will be essential to identifying suppliers with the expertise and quality standards required to deliver competitive advantage while ensuring sourcing approaches remain innovative and value focused.


This strategically oriented position will deliver competitive contracts through robust negotiation and cost modelling while overseeing supplier performance and compliance. Supplier relationships will be managed with a focus on evaluating capabilities, risks, and collaborative opportunities to maximize long-term value. While operational tasks are outside its scope, the role will be pivotal in shaping the procurement function by recruiting, coaching, and mentoring the team, enhancing category expertise, and fostering a high-performing environment. This strategic focus will optimize total cost of ownership and drive significant business impact across raw material categories.


Essential Requirements:

Extensive strategic category management experience gained within an FMCG organization (ideally multi-national/global).

Global sourcing experience within complex raw materials categories (ingredients, produce, protein, commodities, etc.).

A proven track record in team management, coaching, and development.


Supporting Requirements:

BA/BSc in Finance, Business, or Economics. A Master’s degree is preferred for an advanced understanding of business and finance concepts.

Proven track record of setting and achieving ambitious, stretch targets.

Strong ability to deliver high-impact results within tight deadlines.

Advanced MS Office skills: Advanced data analysis, financial modelling, and presentation development.

Proven experience in managing expert procurement external consultants.

Experience in developing and implementing best practices for operational efficiency.

Expertise in identifying areas for process optimization and improving ways of working.

Strong breadth and depth of experience in sourcing processes and procurement standards.

Experience in implementing procurement best practices across global teams and markets.


What Happens Next?


Now: Apply today with your CV, which will be reviewed by our MKJ Recruitment team.

First Stage: Teams call with the talent team and hiring manager.

Second Stage: Competency interview onsite at our client’s HQ.

Third Stage: Case study presentation to SLT.


People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that allows everyone to be their authentic self. ❤️


While we would love to reply to all applicants, due to high application volumes, if you do not hear back within 14 days, unfortunately, the role won’t be progressing. The position may be in the process of closing, so it could be a matter of timing. But no worries There will be more opportunities. Follow us at Mackenzie Jones Recruitment to stay updated on new openings.


  • Category Manager

    1 month ago


    Surrey, UK, South East England, United Kingdom Allexo Search Full time

    This is an opportunity to shape and develop Category Management with several grocery retailers,. Working for an international business who are major players within their category 2024 has proven to be highly successful with a significant increase in sales across all channels, successful NPD launches and exciting future plans as we head into 2025.The overall...

  • Head of Brand

    2 months ago


    Surrey, UK, South East England, United Kingdom Seven Search and Selection Ltd Full time

    Our Client:High growth and ambitious global food business with a portfolio of household favourites! Operating within multiple categories with instantly recognizable and leading brands With a strong position both in the UK and internationally, they are looking to build on their success with an ambitious growth plan and create value for their customersThey...

  • Category Manager

    2 months ago


    Oxfordshire, UK, South East England, United Kingdom The Orders of St John Care Trust Full time

    Category Manager – IT & MarketingSalary: up to £60,000 per annum DOELocation: OxfordshireHours of work: 37.5 hours per week, with hybrid working 2-3 days working across OSJCT trust sites. About the roleTo drive a business partner approach with senior stakeholders ensuring delivery of professional advice, guidance and challenge that is underpinned by...


  • Peterborough, UK, Eastern England, United Kingdom Amplus Talent Full time

    Title: Product Category ManagerLocation: Peterborough, Hybrid, 3 days a weekThe Company:Our client are a global, e-commerce, luxury fashion brand, headquartered in Peterborough, England. They specialise in Electricity, Lighting and Hardware and deliver to over 100 countries worldwide. About The Role:Amplus Talent are on the lookout for an experienced Product...


  • Oxfordshire, UK, South East England, United Kingdom DCS Group Ltd Full time

    DCS Group is looking for a seasoned Senior National Account Manager to spearhead our major retail partnerships and drive growth with top-tier UK retailers. As a key player in the Health, Beauty, and Household sectors, DCS is an award-winning Distributor, Manufacturer, and Exporter with partnerships with global giants like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and...


  • Oxfordshire, UK, South East England, United Kingdom DCS Group Ltd Full time

    Join DCS Group as a National Account Manager and work directly with some of the world’s most iconic brands in Health, Beauty, and Household products! With a reputation as a leading Distributor, Manufacturer, and Exporter, DCS is a partner of industry giants like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Johnson & Johnson, and we’re on a mission to grow further....

  • Junior Buyer

    4 weeks ago


    Kent, UK, South East England, United Kingdom Seven Search and Selection Ltd Full time

    Our client Has an array of instantly recognisable brands across a number of product areas.Is an extremely profitable global player in a buoyant product category.Leading growth through investment and a number of recent acquisitions. Close-knit, approachable culture which offers a great career path.An opportunity has opened up for a Junior Buyer to join the UK...


  • Buckinghamshire, UK, South East England, United Kingdom 1485 Ltd Full time

    Role – National Account Manager (Discounters & Online)Company – FMCG Challenger Brand (B Corp)Salary – £40-£50k, bonus, pension, private medical care, life insurance, 25 days holidayLocation – Hybrid (2 days per week in office in Bucks)Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a jaunt around the at-times-chaotic but always enticing aisles of Aldi or...


  • Hertfordshire, UK, Eastern England, United Kingdom Henson Recruitment Full time

    A newly created opportunity has arisen for a driven and commercially minded sales professional seeking to join a forward-thinking food business that operates across various food categories and channels in the UK.Account Development ExecutiveMulti-category food Business£30,000Hertfordshire Head OfficeThe role:Reporting to the sales lead, you will drive sales...


  • Peterborough, UK, Eastern England, United Kingdom Maxwell Bond Full time

    Want to work for a high-end brand creating electrical products that have a luxury feel?Want to work cradle to grave seeing your ideas launch into the market?We're working with a leading electrical brand to find a Product Manager to support the development and growth of their new IoT smart products.They are a household brand with a wide range of products...

  • Commercial Controller

    4 weeks ago


    Cambridgeshire, UK, Eastern England, United Kingdom PT Executive Full time

    The ClientOur Client is a Leading Private Label Food Business operating across 2 core product categories and have significant market share across most major retail customers. They have also recently entered a 3rd product category area that is very much in vogue within chilled and is in double digit growth. Their 3-year strategic goal is to continue to...


  • Lancashire, UK, North West England, United Kingdom Sea Global Full time

    Title: Indirect Procurement ManagerSector: EducationLocation: Remote/Hybrid (Mostly home based but you will need to get to Lancaster 2-3x a month)Salary & Package: £40,000 + travel allowance + 35 days holiday (excluding Bank Holidays) + Medical Cover + a further strong benefits packageSea Global are currently working with one of the UKs leading education...

  • Merchandiser

    2 weeks ago


    Peterborough, UK, Eastern England, United Kingdom Zachary Daniels Full time

    MERCHANDISER | EASTERN ENGLAND | HIGH PERFORMING FASHION BUSINESS | UP TO £55,000 DOE For this opportunity, you'll find yourself emerged creative side of merchandising as you'll work closely to your design and buying teams on the new, commercial and profitable ranges that are being bought for the business. This brand have been doing incredibly well,...


  • Merseyside, UK, North West England, United Kingdom Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc Full time

    ABF is a multinational business with over 125,000 employees worldwide. The ABF Grocery division, of which we are part, contains a number of household name brands including Kingsmill, Patak’s, Blue Dragon, Raja Spices, Jordans and Dorset cereals, Ryvita and Silver Spoon.Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity...

  • Digital Marketing

    1 month ago


    Dorset, UK, South West England, United Kingdom Tarsh & Partners Marketing Recruitment Full time

    Digital Marketing & CRM Manager - Cycling and Sports Accessoriesc.£50,000 plus benefits and bonus package (possibly some flex upwards)South Coast/Dorset TP885677A PASSION FOR CYCLING AND/OR SOME EXPERIENCE IN THE CYCLING OR MOTOR SPORTS INDUSTRY WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT BONUS IN THIS BUSY AND EXCITING ROLE.REMOTE WORKING – 3 DAYS/WEEK IN THE...


  • Essex, UK, Eastern England, United Kingdom Walker Hamill Full time

    REF: JW53494Job Title: Finance Manager, SalesIndustry: PE Backed Market Leading Service ProviderEmployment Type: PermanentLocation: Essex (2-3 days per week / Hybrid)Salary Guide: £80,000 + Bonus + BenefitsOur client is a market leading Private Equity backed business with revenues in excess of £350m generated in the UK and Europe. The company has developed...


  • Leicestershire, UK, East Midlands, United Kingdom Noble Foods Ltd Full time

    National Account ManagerLeicester / North Scarle – HybridCompetitive Basic + Car + 20% Bonus + Benefits Noble Foods is a family-owned company which began in 1920 and includes successful milling, poultry, agriculture, and consumer foods businesses. Within this, Noble Foods owns several successful brands, including the UK’s biggest free-range egg brand the...


  • Doncaster, UK, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom Elevation Recruitment Group Full time

    Role: Brand Marketing Executive- DoncasterHours: 9am- 5pm Monday- FridayBenefits:BUPA and health cash plan3% Pension5% potential annual bonus25 days holiday plus bank holsHybrid working model- 3/2 day splitPosition Overview:Elevation Recruitment are excited to be recruiting for one of the UK’s largest distributors.Reporting to the Head of Marketing you...


  • Brighton, UK, East Sussex, United Kingdom KILLSTAR Full time

    Lifestyle & LicensesThe KILLSTAR brand-universe is an invitation for people to explore, discover, and become who they are. We help affirm this invitation by creating an inclusive, supportive environment where our team members are embraced exactly as they are.We are looking for someone who is passionate about the nuts and bolts of production, and ready to...


  • Kingston Upon Thames, UK, South West London, United Kingdom The Last Drop Distillers of London Full time

    We are looking to recruit a bright, talented individual with a can-do attitude to provide immediate cover for 12 months within our small and enthusiastic team as Sales & Operations Administrator. The Last Drop Distillers specialises in the curation and creation of the world’s most remarkable spirits, finding treasures across different spirits categories...