Buyer - FMCG / Food - Hybrid

VanRath; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Food Retail Services company is seeking an Assistant Trading Manager in Belfast. This hybrid role involves managing product categories, optimizing sales, and ensuring competitive market positioning. The ideal candidate will have experience in category management within the food industry and a strong skill set in data analysis and negotiation.

Benefits

Bonus

Additional Benefits

Progression Opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience managing categories or product portfolios in food retail/wholesale.
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation.
• Proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Review product range regularly and develop category management plans.
• Create range rationalisation and refreshment plans.
• Monitor product performance and take corrective actions.

Skills

Data analysis

Negotiation

Category management

Market research

Sales optimization

Job description

Fantastic opportunity for a Assistant Trading Manager to join a thriving Food Retail Services / FMCG company (a company with a multi-billion turnover).

This company values its staff highly and is regarded as one of the best places to work.

This role will be based in Belfast - Dargan Crescent - Hybrid working role.

Salary: Negotiable + Bonus + Additional Benefits and Progression Opportunities

Responsibilities:

• Reviewing product range regularly, reflecting best practice category management principles, and incorporating market research, marketing, sales input, and supplier innovations.
• Developing and communicating category management plans to all departments and customers to ensure understanding, buy-in, and implementation, aiming to optimise sales and profitability.
• Creating detailed range rationalisation and refreshment plans aligned with the company's review process and calendar.
• Planning seasonal supply strategies to meet demand fluctuations.
• Monitoring product performance in volume, margin, and market share, and taking corrective actions to meet targets.
• Analyzing competitor pricing and supplier costs to ensure market-aligned customer offers.
• Negotiating purchase prices and supply terms within company policies.
• Balancing costs, discounts, bonuses, rebates, and promotional activities to maintain a quality, value-for-money brand positioning.

The Ideal Person:

• At least 1 year of experience managing categories or product portfolios in the food retail/wholesale industry.
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation.
• A proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

For more information or to apply, please contact Jack Groves at Vanrath in confidence.