Category Manager Review
at Compass group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Procurement
Chertsey
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work as a Category Manager at Foodbuy, managing procurement activities and contracts for a diverse client portfolio across the business, including Compass Group and Foodbuy Group GPO members and clients.
On a day-to-day basis, I manage P&L, supplier and stakeholder relationships, commercial activity, and contract compliance within my category remits. This includes managing tenders and mobilisations, handling escalations, change and conflict management, and resolving commercial and operational issues. I work closely with finance, operations, and legal teams to ensure service continuity, strong governance, and value delivery.
Alongside this, I apply my apprenticeship learning directly into my role, strengthening my commercial judgement, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities.
On a day-to-day basis, I manage P&L, supplier and stakeholder relationships, commercial activity, and contract compliance within my category remits. This includes managing tenders and mobilisations, handling escalations, change and conflict management, and resolving commercial and operational issues. I work closely with finance, operations, and legal teams to ensure service continuity, strong governance, and value delivery.
Alongside this, I apply my apprenticeship learning directly into my role, strengthening my commercial judgement, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes. I have strengthened my commercial awareness and P&L understanding, alongside my ability to manage procurement activity, contracts, and supplier performance.
I have also developed strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, particularly when managing escalations and change, as well as improving my problem-solving, prioritisation, and decision-making through day-to-day commercial activity.
I have also developed strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, particularly when managing escalations and change, as well as improving my problem-solving, prioritisation, and decision-making through day-to-day commercial activity.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive good support from my training provider (SRSC) through regular check-ins, clear guidance on coursework and evidence requirements, and support in understanding the apprenticeship standards. The support provided helps me stay on track with my qualification, with some scope for greater flexibility and responsiveness at times.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities. I have recently attended our GPO tradeshow and exhibitions where possible to improve my market knowledge and understanding of the categories I manage and build relationships across the business. There are also internal business sessions, such as systems training, which help me develop skills and learn more about the business.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Compass group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend Compass Group to a friend. The company provides good opportunities to learn and develop, with exposure to a wide range of categories, suppliers, and projects. While there is always room for improvement in some areas, overall it is a supportive environment to build skills and experience.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Compass group?
I would advise others applying to research Compass Group and its businesses, so they understand the sectors and services they operate in. Be prepared to demonstrate commercial awareness, teamwork, and a willingness to learn, and show enthusiasm for gaining experience across different areas. Taking initiative, asking questions, and being proactive in learning will help you make the most of the opportunities available.
