Category Buyer

About the role

Hotel Chocolat is seeking a Category Buyer to join its Procurement Team on a permanent basis. Reporting to the Packaging Sourcing Manager, you will own the packaging supply base, drive the procurement strategy, and support new product development with sustainable, high‑quality packaging solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of direct packaging categories with up to £10 million spend across multiple suppliers.
• Develop and execute strategies that mitigate risk, optimise value, and foster sustainable, scalable supplier relationships.
• Coordinate and influence cross‑functional stakeholder groups, from operational teams to senior management, ensuring project alignment.
• Partner with development teams to source and develop new and existing suppliers for new product development and continuous improvement, emphasizing environmental and social responsibility.
• Identify best‑value opportunities throughout new product development, existing product development, and regular ordering cycles.
• Run competitive bidding, tendering, and contract management processes via the sourcing platform.

Required profile

• Proven experience in category buying or procurement, preferably within packaging or consumer goods.
• Strong stakeholder‑management and influencing skills across operational and senior levels.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environment while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.
• Excellent analytical and negotiation capabilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary and a range of benefits including private healthcare, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, and company pension contributions.
• Employee discounts: 50% off all products and 70% off stays at the Rabot Estate hideaway in Saint Lucia.
• Hybrid working model – three days onsite at the Alpha Distribution Centre (St. Neots) and two days remote.
• Opportunities to work on innovative packaging projects within a sustainability‑focused environment.