Trading Controller (Fresh)

Goed van Start VOF; Willenhall; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Trading Controller to drive sales and optimize supply chains. In this dynamic role, you will negotiate with key suppliers, manage product categories, and ensure full availability of products. With a focus on delivering exceptional service and standards, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package. Join a company that values skill development and offers outstanding training opportunities, all while fostering an inclusive culture. If you are ready to make a significant impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Company Car or Car Allowance

Enhanced Holiday Leave

Generous Staff Discount

Life Insurance

Company Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Support

Training and Development Opportunities

Long Service Awards

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years as a Buyer/Trader within a leading wholesaler or retailer.
• Strong industry and product knowledge to deliver targeted customer offerings.

Responsibilities

• Maximise sales and cash margin through effective negotiations.
• Collaborate with Sales and Operational teams to ensure profitability.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Category Management

Market Analysis

Supplier Relationship Management

Education

5+ years in Buying/Trading

Experience in Fresh Sector

Job description

Salary:

c£60,000 p/a, plus Company Car (or Car Allowance) plus excellent benefits package.

Location:

Apex11 (Tipton) or Willenhall (West Midlands)

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

We have an exciting opportunity for a Trading Controller (Fresh), who is passionate about their role in offering excellent service and standards to our customers. We are looking for someone who is motivated, friendly, able to work on their own initiative, and capable of raising concerns where appropriate.

The Key Purpose Of This Role Is

To maximise sales, cash margin, and percentage GP within a range of defined commodity groups through effective negotiations, promotions, and range management. To optimise the supply chain ensuring full availability of the product range while working within agreed stock holding parameters, specifically the stock value targets set by the business. Short dates, quarantined, and eliminated stock must be controlled to ensure minimal impact on the bottom line.

Some Key Accountabilities

• Deliver annual sales, profit, and supplier income in line with the budgeted ask.
• Negotiate an annual JBP for all key suppliers, incorporating a planned promotional activity plan that is effective, competitive, and supplier-funded. This JBP must drive sales performance and cash profit for the group.
• Negotiate annual trading terms favorable to the previous year's terms with all key suppliers, capable of delivering the budgeted supplier income.
• Develop new initiatives and areas of business to drive incremental sales and cash profit year on year.
• Maintain prices in line with Wholesale and Retail policies.
• Collaborate with Sales and Operational teams to ensure profitability across all areas.
• Interpret market changes and recommend actions to mitigate impacts on performance.
• Work with supply chain and suppliers to forecast stock requirements, including promotions and seasonal fluctuations.

Key Job Info

• Travel to other sites for business purposes may be required.
• Overnight stays or evening events may be necessary.
• Access to a company car is available, which must be maintained according to company policy.

Some Key Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Qualifications Required

• Minimum of 5 years as a Buyer/Trader within a leading wholesaler or retailer; experience in both is highly desirable.
• Experience within the Fresh sector is preferable.
• Proven success in managing people in a similar role.
• Experience in managing categories from procurement to marketing and delivery.
• Strong industry and product knowledge to deliver targeted customer offerings.
• Experience negotiating with senior personnel within Blue Chip suppliers.

Who Are We

We are a dynamic retail, wholesale, and foodservice business, owning 260 SPAR stores and employing over 7,000 people, with a turnover of £1.3 billion.

What's in it for you?

• Skill development in a supportive, diverse culture.
• Outstanding training and development opportunities.
• Hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Excellent Benefits Package Including

• Enhanced holiday, maternity, and paternity leave and pay.
• Generous staff discount (excluding alcohol and cigarettes).
• Internal promotion opportunities.
• Access to payslips and rotas via HR/Payroll portal.
• Wellbeing support, including counselling and legal/financial advice.
• Company Pension Scheme and NEST pension scheme.
• Life insurance (1x or 6x annual salary with pension scheme).
• Holiday purchase scheme.
• Long service awards.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment as a Disability Confident employer, offering a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities meeting minimum criteria.