Category Buyer

Are you passionate about creating product ranges that delight consumers and set new standards in the market? As our Category Buyer (All Genders) at ahead, you'll take the lead in shaping and growing our product categories from concept to phase-out. You'll collaborate closely with Product Development, Operations, Finance, and the Campaigns team to guide the entire product lifecycle. Your mission: to build a product range that excites customers, drives strong business performance, and makes "low sugar" the new standard.

Join #teamahead and help craft products that consumers love, making a tangible impact on the business and the future of our brand

• Category Strategy and Expansion
• Develop and implement category strategies with a focus on growth, margin and differentiation
• Identify consumer trends and market opportunities and develop business cases for new formats
• Manage the assortment structure and pack-price architecture
• Supplier Discovery and Management
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers for ingredients, packaging and co-manufacturing
• Conduct structured RFQs and RFPs and ensure quality, delivery reliability and compliance
• Build a resilient supplier network with primary and secondary sources
• New Product Development Leadership
• Co-lead the NPD process from idea to launch including timeline-, cost- and stakeholder management
• Translate consumer insights into marketable product briefs
• Select suitable raw materials and packaging with regard to quality, cost and sustainability
• Product Lifecycle Management
• Track and analyse category performance including sell-in, sell-through, margin and contribution margin
• Implement optimisation measures such as reformulations and packaging updates
• Make data-based decisions and actively manage complexity
• Commercial Excellence and Cost Optimisation
• Conduct market and sourcing analyses to identify cost savings and efficiency potentials
• Collaborate with Finance on margin models, pricing strategies and scenario planning
• Support promotional planning and assortment optimisation
• Governance and Compliance
• Ensure suppliers meet legal, ethical and quality standards
• Maintain master data and follow structured stage-gate processes
• Manage risks and plan proactively for bottlenecks, lead times and minimum order quantities

• At least three years of professional experience in category management, procurement or sourcing in the food or FMCG sector
• Solid experience in supplier selection, negotiation and margin optimization
• Experience in NPD processes and cross-functional project management
• Strong analytical skills and confident working with market, cost and performance data
• Structured working style, responsible and highly team-oriented
• Fluent in English spoken and written and German at least at a basic conversational level

• You already know what we do. If that's not cool, we don't know what is. But if you need more convincing, we've got plenty of ahead snacks and drinks in the office. Oh, and we have a ping-pong table too.
• Everyone wants it, we have it: The best team. Young, dynamic, international, and ambitious. Nice events and after-work activities. Can you identify with that?
• By the way, we're a startup: If you're looking for a greenfield, creative freedom, and a steep learning curve, you're in the right place. We provide you with top resources for rapid knowledge growth.
• Great product: Our low-sugar snacks are simply delicious. Have you tried them yet?
• Our Office: Our office is located in the heart of Hamburg. We offer the possibility of home office (2 days a week) and many other perks like a MacBook, merch, snacks, and drinks included.
• Cool Benefits: Enjoy monthly benefits of €50, with the option to choose from Urban Sports Club, Mobility, or vouchers from exciting brands. We recognize the value of your well-being.
• Team offsites: Every year we organize cool offsites with the team, and we're already planning our next adventure. Join us and experience unforgettable offsites with the team

Let's get started Here's what the application process looks like:

Send us your resume and a few reasons why you want to be a part of ahead.

• We will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule an interview.
• After our initial meeting, you'll work on a small case study to give you a sense of the tasks you'll be handling.
• During the case presentation, you'll have the chance to meet our team and the founders, Johannes and Philip.
• If both sides are happy, you can start as soon as possible

Just reach out to us for a chat

Do you have any questions? Contact us here: -

ahead GmbH is an equal opportunity workplace and is devoted to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.

At ahead, we're transforming indulgent snacks into great-tasting better-for-you treats. Using innovative food technology, we replace refined sugar and empty calories with nutrients your body actually needs. With ahead, you can enjoy delicious snacks that satisfy your cravings – without compromising your health.