Category Manager - Indirect Spend

Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑 

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.  

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.  

We have a new opportunity for a range of Category Manager's within Indirect Spend to join our growth across Europe.   

As Category Manager in Indirect Spend, you'll play a central role within one of three categories in including 3PL, Ocean and Road Logistics, MRO, Services, Consumables and General purchasing. You will be pivotal in driving category growth and enhancing product performance. You'll work closely with key customers to develop and implement innovative strategies that support our ambitious growth plans, whilst becoming a subject matter expert on all products within your category. We are looking at developing a new Category Management team across Indirect, Packaging, and MRO. As a trusted business partner, your expertise will be essential in supporting Westfalia Fruit's commercial growth objectives in 2025 and beyond. Domestic and international travel will be required to support customer and business operations across Europe, so a willingness to travel is essential. 

We are open to the successful candidate being based within a commutable distance to one of our offices in either the UK, France, or the Netherlands.  

Responsibilities include: 

• Develop and lead the category vision for the avocado and value-added product lines across key European growth markets. 

• Lead the development of the short and long-term category agenda in alignment with Westfalia’s growth plans, ensuring its execution with customers. 

• Translate category insights into actionable recommendations for customers, helping drive category growth through assortment optimisation, shelving strategies, and promotional effectiveness. 

• Present category strategies and business reviews to customers, demonstrating growth possibilities for both the category and Westfalia products. 

• Work closely with internal teams to ensure the alignment of category initiatives with overall business objectives. 

• Lead the category development agenda for innovation projects, working with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and improve category offerings. 

• Set the agenda for category growth, ensuring the flawless execution of category projects in collaboration with sales and commercial teams. 

• Develop customer-specific planograms and assortment strategies, working closely with space management teams. 

Experience we look for:

Essential Experience, Qualifications & Skills:

• Proven experience within specific categories of spend, strategic sourcing within a corporate or multinational environment. Exposure within the food industry is essential, with fresh produce experience highly advantageous.

• University degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.

• Fluency in English and French (C1 level or above for one of the three roles), with strong cross-cultural communication skills.

• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of supplier relationship management and cost optimisation.

• Advanced analytical and project management abilities, including strategic planning and risk assessment.

• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams across multiple geographies.

Desirable Experience, Qualifications & Skills:

• MBA or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) certification.

• Previous experience in fresh produce, food, or FMCG sectors.

• Familiarity with MS Dynamics 365 or other ERP systems.

• Proficiency in additional European languages specifically as Spanish, German, Dutch or Portuguese.

• Strong understanding of sustainable sourcing, innovation pipelines, and supply market dynamics.

What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that will vary by location. Full details will be shared as part of the interview process

• Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Be part of a global organisation recognised as a leader in fresh produce.
• Join a purpose-driven company committed to sustainability and innovation.
• Contribute to an industry leader at the forefront of fresh produce innovation. 
• Benefits package will depend on where you are located and can be detailed during the introduction phase.

Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.