Category Manager - Pastry

Overview

As Category Manager for Pastry, you will own the P&L for the Pastry category and drive commercial growth for a premier fine-food distributor. You’ll shape the category strategy, stay ahead of trends, and collaborate with Sales, Marketing and Development Chefs to win in the market. Your role combines strategic planning with hands-on leadership and supplier diplomacy to maximise profitability and service levels. This is a senior, hands-on position offering impact across cuisine, product range, and supplier partnerships within a luxury food ecosystem.

Pay / Benefits

• car allowance
• performance bonus
• competitive salary

Responsibilities

• Own P&L for the Pastry category and drive profitability
• Develop and execute the category plan based on market trends and seasonality
• Build and manage relationships with global artisan producers and negotiate costs and service levels
• Lead and coach up to 3 direct reports
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Development Chefs to provide technical and commercial context
• Support margin performance through pricing, demand planning, and stock management

Key requirements

• 3+ years of management experience in food distribution with deep Pastry knowledge
• Entrepreneurial mindset and data-driven decision making
• Strong analytical skills (Excel/ERP) and attention to detail
• Knowledge of UK POAO import regulations
• Excellent communicator with ability to influence internal leadership and negotiate with international suppliers

• communication
• leadership
• negotiation
• Excel
• ERP
• pricing strategy

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