Trading Assistant

TN United Kingdom; Preston; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Trading Assistant in Preston, where you'll gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment. You'll manage product orders, support promotions, and collaborate with suppliers, all while developing your skills in trading and category management.

Benefits

Loyalty award

Company Doctor

Free On-site Parking

Enhanced holiday package

Learning & Development

Grocery Aid

Staff discount

Cycle to work scheme

Christmas Hamper

Qualifications

• Background in stock replenishment or buying within a retail environment is desirable.
• High level of accuracy and organized approach to managing data and tasks.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor daily product ordering and stock replenishment.
• Support the execution of key promotions and product launches.
• Generate and analyse reports to inform trading decisions.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Adaptability

Education

Strong Administrative Experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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Location: James Hall & Co. Bowland View, Preston, PR2 5QT

Based at our contemporary head office and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston, James Hall & Co. Ltd. have been established for over 150 years proudly serving communities across the north of England as supplier and distributor to over 450 SPAR stores.

We are proud to be one of the biggest employers in Lancashire with over 4500 colleagues who represent our core values of passion, enterprise and family every single day.

About the Role

We’re excited to offer a unique opportunity to join our Trading team as a Trading Assistant, where you’ll gain invaluable experience and exposure within a large, fast-paced commercial business. In this role, you’ll be involved with our Food to Go category – the fastest-growing area of our operation – and play a key part in driving its continued success.

Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing

Reporting to the Trading Manager, your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied, fast paced, and engaging. You’ll also support the broader trading team with key administrative tasks related to products, pricing, and promotions.

• Manage and monitor daily product ordering and stock replenishment
• Maintain accurate stock forecasts and identify any supply issues
• Support the execution of key promotions and product launches
• Generate and analyse reports to inform trading decisions
• Handle product, pricing, and promotional administration
• Communicate with suppliers and internal departments to resolve stock and delivery queries
• Support problem-solving activities and process improvements
• Work collaboratively across the Trading team, external suppliers and other functions

A Few Things About You

This role offers the perfect first step for anyone looking to build a successful career within a trading team. As a Trading Assistant, you’ll gain valuable, hands-on experience while learning the core skills of commercial operations, stock management, and supplier coordination. With the right mindset and enthusiasm to learn, this position can open the door to long-term development and progression within the trading function.

The ideal candidate for this role will bring:

• Experience: Some background in stock replenishment or buying within a retail environment is desirable, but we also welcome individuals with strong administrative experience (Microsoft Excel would be an advantage) and a passion to learn about trading and category management.
• Attention to Detail: A high level of accuracy and a meticulous and organised approach to managing data and tasks.
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment, with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and demands.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with the Trading Manager and other internal teams.
• Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical mindset, with the confidence to tackle challenges and implement practical solutions.

Why us?

James Hall & Co. Ltd. have one simple vison: to still be in business in another 50 years!

To make this vision possible we need the best talent to join us on our journey. We are a family company and believe that if we look after our people, they will look after us.

Here are some of the benefits that you can take advantage of as an employee of James Hall & Co. Ltd.

Loyalty award – From day one you will receive £0.25p per hour for every hour you work. You will then receive this as a lump sum on the pay period after your 12 month anniversary.

Company Doctor – We care about the health and wellbeing of our people. That is why you will have access to our company doctor with the ability to book appointments directly.

Free On-site Parking - You don’t have to worry about paying for parking or getting from your car to the office as our site boasts a secure car park with over 1000 spaces.

Holidays – Everyone needs a break so as an employee of James Hall & Co. Ltd. you will receive our enhanced holiday package of 22 days holidays per year plus bank holidays (unless otherwise stated). Holiday entitlement increases with continuous service every two years

Learning & Development – We want all of our colleagues to reach their full potential. That is why you will benefit from our in-house learning and development team who will provide you access to fully funded accredited training and industry recognised qualifications.

Grocery Aid – We understand the importance of mental health. We work with the national charity Grocery Aid to provide all colleagues a 24/7 helpline service that is free, independent and confidential. Grocery Aid also offer a wide range of other fantastic services to support you when you need it.

We also offer staff discount, cycle to work scheme and our famous Christmas Hamper!