Franchise Category Manager

Job Title: Franchise Category Manager

Responsible to: Procurement Director

Location: Chertsey/London

Grade: D

Salary: Competitive

Business Area: Retail Category Development

Overall Purpose of the Role

• This is a senior role which will work closely with the Procurement Director, Head of Retail and relevant sector MDs/Business Directors to support drive the Compass Franchising strategy in delivering like for like growth in our existing partnerships and the development of new opportunities to introduce further key Brands into the business.
• This is new role which will see the individual bridge the gap between sales, brands and our client space.
• This role will also have the insight and market knowledge of up and coming franchise opportunities to offer a point of difference for each of our sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead the Franchising opportunity in Compass, Foodbuy client Member & GPO Acquisition businesses.
• To provide central leadership and a commercial lens to support the Compass sector strategies in partnership with the Commercial Directors.
• To develop strong relationships with our Franchise partners aligned to our business strategies, ensuring no duplication of brands.
• To be the key point of contact from a commercial and contract perspective for both business and franchise partners focusing on streamlining supplier integration, driving regular business reviews against agreed KPIs performance measures, and ensuring Foodbuy routes to market are utilized where appropriate.
• To create a structured approach to Business planning & review of KPI's to deliver great commercial and operational franchise propositions.
• To adopt a consistent business approach to franchise mobilisation and award, and challenging the existing levels of return.
• Supporting the Sustainability team in identifying key opportunities and risks in franchise supply chain management.

Candidate Profile

• Highly results oriented and analytical.
• Has proven experience in the Franchise arena and can demonstrate successful integrations across multiple franchise partners.
• Confident presenter and able to work across different levels of seniority.
• A strategic thinker who can demonstrate impact and influence across Foodbuy.
• Proven track record of delivering against key financial targets and broader commercial or operational measures.
• Proven capability to build and implement strategies, and lead complex large-scale projects.
• Has the technical skill combined with sufficient gravitas to be recognized as a subject matter expert.
• Competent with procurement systems, ideally having used these in current/previous employment.

Skills and Experience Required

• Natural and articulate around management. Good listening skills.
• Can deliver and influence communication concisely and steer conversation to influence decisions needed.
• Strong decision maker, with a strong commercial acumen who is comfortable working under pressure.
• Proven ability to reduce cost against tough market backdrops.
• Evidence of an ability to work cross-functionally.
• Advanced computer skills including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Analytical and methodical.
• The ability to multi-task, remain calm under pressure and always maintain a strategic viewpoint.
• Genuine team player.
• Interest and keen to learn about sustainability and materials.
• Customer and market focus - stays close to customers, suppliers & competitors to create market leadership for the business.