Category Manager - London

About us:

We're The Restaurant Group (TRG for short) and we're one of the UK's biggest hospitality businesses. Were a significant player in the UK casual dining market, operating over 400 restaurants and pubs including Wagamama, Frankie and Benny's, Chiquito, and Brunning & Price. Our diverse portfolio of brands provides something for everyone, and we are proud to be TRG.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Head of Food Spend, deliver an effective strategy throughout the TRG group that champions the drive for reduced costs aligned with improved business practices in partnership with key suppliers whilst ensuring company strategic and operational objectives are met

Responsibilities:

• Buying responsibilities for purchasing Food categories such as Asian Grocery, Oil, Desserts but to be decided on experience of candidates
• Responsible for managing and forecasting food inflation, through negotiation and identifying new sourcing and development opportunities by category
• Deliver the successful negotiation and completion of contracts suitable for each category with clear KPIs identified to drive and deliver business and cost efficiencies across the Group
• Deliver compliance of contract terms through engagement and commitment of stakeholders and the senior management team
• Be engaged in the new menu development process through sourcing new product development opportunities and working closely with the wider Development and Marketing departments
• Management and identification of multiple strategic projects -short, medium and long term
• Revenue and food cost budgeting required
• Advise the business on key food developments; macro-economic and environmental risk factors and new product and process developments
• Drive the quality process with the Technical Management team ensuring products are consistently delivered into the supply chain network at the required standard

Skills:

• Highly numerate, IT literate and analytical
• Strategic and problem solver
• Strong communication skills
• Flexible to changing working priorities
• Confident to challenge standard ways of purchasing
• Clearly defined project management skills
• Full driving licence

Requirements for the Role:

• Graduate Calibre
• CIPS qualified preferable
• Strong negotiation skills
• Previous experience buying packaging, consumable and chemical products
• Proven track record of strategic purchasing / category management
• Flexible, willing to learn and able to work within a fast moving and demanding environment the jobholder will need excellent organisational and communication skills as they will be communicating, influencing and reporting to all parts of our businesses, including company Directors

Person Specification  

Make it Magic

Has a positive can-do attitude and is committed to delivering the highest quality of service for our team members and guests

Keep it Fresh

Challenges the way things are done, takes a creative approach and has a keen interest in TRG, and its industry

Be Sharp

Adapts easily in a changing, fast paced environment, has the ability to work flexibly under pressure and demonstrates a strong sense of urgency

Own it

Takes personal responsibility, has a proactive approach and strives to deliver great results

Do it Together

Has the ability to lead and positively influence at all levels, works collaboratively with others and is fun to be around.