Senior Trading Manager (Mat Cover)

Travel: Some UK travel to stores and suppliers, with occasional overseas supplier travel.

Role Purpose

Lead the development and delivery of category strategy to grow profitability, optimise supplier terms, reduce costs and maintain product availability. You’ll also manage and develop the Trading Assistant while building strong supplier and stakeholder relationships.

Key Responsibilities

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Develop and deliver category, range and supplier strategies, managing budgets, income targets, cost of goods and overall profitability.

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Lead supplier negotiations to maximise commercial returns, reduce costs, manage risk and drive supplier performance.

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Analyse market trends, competitor activity and commercial data to identify opportunities, inform strategy and improve the retail offer.

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Develop national promotional plans and effective product ranges aligned with customer, market and business requirements.

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Monitor stock, availability and supply issues, working with suppliers and distribution teams to maintain continuity and resolve risks.

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Build strong relationships with suppliers and senior stakeholders, presenting recommendations and influencing commercial decisions.

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Lead cross-functional projects, ensuring delivery against agreed timescales, budgets and commercial objectives.

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Coach and develop the Trading Assistant while supporting wider business initiatives and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

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Degree, equivalent qualification or relevant higher education experience, with proven FMCG buying, selling or category management experience.

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Strong supplier management and negotiation experience, with a track record of delivering measurable commercial results.

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Experience managing product ranges, budgets, commercial targets and multiple stakeholders.

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Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn data into clear commercial recommendations.

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Confident presenting to and influencing senior stakeholders, with experience delivering projects to agreed timescales and budgets.

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Previous people management or development experience.

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Advanced Excel skills, with good working knowledge of Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.

Desirable: Retail or wholesale trading experience, particularly within food or fresh food, plus experience in trading strategy, promotional planning and stock/availability management.

Core Competencies

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Commercial negotiation, supplier management and category strategy.

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Strong analytical, financial and commercial decision-making skills.

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Stakeholder management, influencing and communication.

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Leadership, coaching and people development.

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Project management and delivery.

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Customer and market focus, with the ability to identify opportunities, manage risk and adapt to changing priorities