Trading Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially driven Trading Manager to join an established UK company.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong FMCG or retail buying experience to take ownership of key grocery and impulse categories, develop strategic supplier relationships and drive commercial performance across a national network.

You will play an important role in shaping category strategies, leading supplier negotiations and identifying opportunities to maximise sales, profitability and overall category growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and manage category strategies to drive sales growth, improve profitability and maximise commercial opportunities.
• Lead national supplier negotiations, securing competitive cost prices, favourable trading terms and increased supplier investment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating promotional funding, commercial agreements and long-term partnerships.
• Plan and deliver compelling promotional and seasonal activity to maximise sales, customer engagement and category performance.
• Manage cost price increases, understanding market conditions, supplier cost drivers and their impact on profitability.
• Analyse sales performance, margins, forecasts and market data to identify opportunities and inform commercial decisions.
• Monitor supplier performance, product availability and stock levels, proactively addressing any supply challenges.
• Work closely with regional distribution partners and internal stakeholders to agree category strategies, ranges and promotional plans.
• Identify market trends, competitor activity and new product opportunities to maintain a competitive offering.

About You

• 2–3 years' proven experience in commercial buying, trading or category management, with a strong track record of successful supplier negotiations.
• Experience working within a recognised FMCG, retail or convenience brand.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of supplier management, category profitability and promotional planning.
• Confident analysing complex data, interpreting trends and making commercially sound decisions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
• Highly organised, proactive and comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, alongside good working knowledge of Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Desirable: Degree or equivalent qualification in Business or Administration.

Additional Information: 35 hours per week, based in North West London, with occasional travel to regional distribution centres and suppliers.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your commercial career within a well-established national retail group.

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