Category Manager (Retail)

VanRath; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A food retail services company in Belfast is seeking an experienced Trading Manager. This hybrid role involves managing product range, developing trading strategies, and driving sales performance. The ideal candidate has over 2 years of experience in trading or buying roles, strong analytical skills, and commercial acumen. Joining this dynamic company offers excellent career development and a chance to make a significant commercial impact.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Hybrid working environment

Collaborative team culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a buying or trading role with category or portfolio responsibility.
• Strong commercial acumen with proven results in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly analytical with strong data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the product range and category plans for your portfolio.
• Develop and implement range strategies aligned to brand, customer and profit targets.
• Lead supplier negotiations on cost prices, terms, income and promotions.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Third level qualification in Business, Finance or a related discipline

Tools

Excel

Job description

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

This company places immense value on their staff, and is one of the best places for an individual to work in.

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

Salary

Negotiable + Bonus + Additional Fantastic Benefits and Perks & Progression Opportunities

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Trading Manager to join a high-performing Trading team in Northern Ireland. This role offers the chance to take ownership of a product portfolio, shape range and pricing strategy, lead supplier negotiations and drive sales, margin and profitability across retail partners.

You will lead the development and delivery of an effective range and trading strategy for your assigned portfolio, grounded in consumer insight and commercial objectives. This is a hands‑on, commercially focused role with significant influence across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the product range and category plans for your portfolio
• Develop and implement range strategies aligned to brand, customer and profit targets
• Review and optimise ranges based on market trends, consumer insight and performance data
• Lead seasonal planning to meet demand fluctuations
• Develop annual sales, margin and supplier income targets and deliver against budget
• Prepare and manage buying and trading plans, including quarterly reviews
• Lead supplier negotiations on cost prices, terms, income and promotions
• Set and manage wholesale and retail pricing to deliver margin and value objectives
• Monitor competitor pricing and promotional activity to maintain market competitiveness
• Manage and develop Own Brand products from concept to launch, improving value and margin
• Build strong, long‑term relationships with suppliers, retailers and internal stakeholders
• Lead and contribute to cross‑functional projects to deliver category initiatives
• Track performance, manage risks and ensure effective execution of plans

The Person

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a buying or trading role with category or portfolio responsibility
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to deliver results in a fast‑paced environment
• Highly analytical with strong data interpretation and Excel skills
• Confident negotiator with excellent numeracy and problem‑solving ability
• Strong communicator and collaborator, comfortable working cross‑functionally
• Well organised, resilient and able to meet targets under pressure

Desirable

• Third level qualification in Business, Finance or a related discipline
• Category Management experience within food retail or wholesale
• Knowledge of the Irish and UK grocery market
• Previous people management experience

Why Apply?

• Permanent role with strong career development and progression opportunities
• Collaborative, high‑performing team environment
• Opportunity to make a visible commercial impact
• Forward‑thinking business with a strong focus on innovation and community

For further information on this opportunity, or any other position, please apply via the link below or contact Jack Groves via Vanrath in the strictest confidence.