Head of Trading - Ambient Growth (Flexible Hours)

Blakemore Trade Partners; Talbot Green; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to work

Staff discount

Pension

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is seeking a Head of Trading to lead the Ambient category strategy for SPAR stores and wholesale, driving profit through pricing and supplier terms.

You will build a high-performing team, manage the P&L, and negotiate with suppliers to secure market-leading terms while focusing on procurement excellence and net profit growth across channels. The role reports to the Trading Director and offers a comprehensive benefits package and a 40-hour week.

Responsibilities

• Own the P&L across Ambient categories, implement pricing and margin strategies to protect profit.
• Secure market leading terms, rebates, and long-term supply agreements with suppliers for SPAR retailers.
• Analyse commodity markets and inflation trends to mitigate cost price increases and protect viability.
• Ensure all sourced vendors and products comply with food safety standards and allergen tracking.
• Lead, mentor, and upskill a high-performing trading team.
• Drive range rationalisation and supplier delivery alignment to maximise throughput in RDCs and DCs.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration on range architecture and offers.
• Ensure ranges reflect retailer and customer requirements and SLAs.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of specialists.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear objectives, development plans and performance metrics.
• Build succession pipelines and identify future talent needs.

Job description

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is seeking a Head of Trading to lead the Ambient category strategy for SPAR stores and wholesale, driving profit through pricing and supplier terms.

You will build a high-performing team, manage the P&L, and negotiate with suppliers to secure market-leading terms while focusing on procurement excellence and net profit growth across channels. The role reports to the Trading Director and offers a comprehensive benefits package and a 40-hour week.