Head of Trading

Co-op Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail organization in the UK is seeking a Head of Trading to drive the Fresh category's success. This role involves setting strategy, leading senior category managers, and enhancing profits. Strong leadership and financial skills are essential. Benefits include a company car, healthcare, a bonus, and a supportive work environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving team.

Benefits

Company car or £6,000 car allowance

Private healthcare

Annual bonus based on performance

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension with up to 10% employer contributions

30% discount on Co-op products

Early access to earned pay

Virtual healthcare

24/7 support service

Training and career support

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head of Trading within a retail environment.
• Strong financial acumen and a deep understanding of the Fresh category.
• Great relationship-building and supplier management skills.

Responsibilities

• Set the direction and strategy for our Fresh category.
• Define and deliver trade platforms that support our category plans.
• Own P&L performance across all channels.

Skills

Leadership skills

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Supplier management

Job description

Head of Trading

Up to £120,000 plus great benefits including company car (Work Level 4)
Location: Manchester/Scunthorpe (hybrid working - typically two to three days per week spent across our Manchester and Scunthorpe offices, with at least one day each week based in Scunthorpe)

Co-op Wholesale is growing, and we're looking for people who want to lead on what comes next. As Head of Trading in our newly-formed Trading team, you'll lead our Fresh category team and guide the delivery of strong wholesale margin, pricing, and range plans.

You'll work closely with our Director of Trading for Wholesale to set the strategy and embed great buying practices across Fresh. From building new ways of working and culture to driving growth in one of our biggest categories, this is your chance to make a real impact.

Why this role matters

We're building something big at Co-op Wholesale. With a refreshed structure and exciting plans ahead, we're creating new opportunities to strengthen our proposition for our independent retailers, key accounts, and a growing corporate client base.

This is your chance to shape what comes next - bringing new ideas to life and making a real impact. Be part of it.

What you'll do

• Set the direction and strategy for our Fresh category
• Define and deliver trade platforms that support our category plans
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Senior Category Managers
• Own P&L performance across all channels, making decisions that deliver growth and profitability
• Use data and market insight to spot trends, manage risks, and find opportunities through pack optimisation and promotion
• Work closely with teams across supply chain, finance, and operations
• Build strong senior supplier relationships, creating value for them and Co-op
• Build a culture of inclusivity and belonging in your team, making it a place where people thrive
• Deputise for our Director of Trading for Wholesale as needed

What you'll bring

• Experience as a Head of Trading within a retail environment
• Strong financial acumen and a deep understanding of the Fresh category
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams and create a real sense of belonging
• Great communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and challenge people in a respectful and inclusive way
• Great relationship-building and supplier management skills

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we're owned by our members. And because we're owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're joining a movement. We're an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we're powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you'll also receive:

• A company car or £6,000 car allowance
• Private healthcare
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream - early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you'll belong

We're building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive.

If you have a disability, we'll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We're also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you're disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we'll guarantee you an interview.

Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process

Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing

As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.