Trading Controller Willenhall Head Office Group Trading

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Car

Car Allowance

Excellent benefits

Job summary

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd in Willenhall (West Midlands) invites applications for a Trading Controller who will maximise sales, margin and GP through negotiations, promotions and range management. You will optimise stock and ensure availability while managing stock parameters and shelf life challenges.

The role requires leadership, strong supplier relations and the ability to work across procurement, sales and supply chain to protect profitability in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a Buyer/Trader in a leading Wholesaler or Retailer.
• Experience managing people with a track record of success.
• Experience in procuring stock from procurement to delivery to the consumer.
• Excellent industry knowledge to deliver a targeted offering to customers.
• Experience negotiating with senior personnel within Blue Chip suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Deliver annual sales, profit and supplier income in line with the budgeted ask.
• Negotiate an annual JBP for all key suppliers with a promotional activity plan.
• Negotiate annual trading terms to deliver the budgeted supplier income.
• Develop new initiatives to drive incremental sales and cash profit.
• Maintain prices in line with Wholesale and Retail policies.
• Coordinate with Sales and Operational teams to ensure profitability.
• Forecast stock requirements with supply chain and suppliers.

Skills

Buyer/Trader experience

People management

Category management

Negotiation with suppliers

Industry knowledge

Job description

Location: Willenhall (West Midlands).

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

We are a dynamic and innovative retail, wholesale and foodservice business, committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying at the forefront of industry trends. A company that now owns 303 SPAR convenience stores and employs more than 6,000 people, with a turnover of £1.3 billion.

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 product range whilst 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 that there is minimal impact to the bottom line.

Some Key Accountabilities:

• Deliver annual sales, profit and supplier income in line with the budgeted ask
• To negotiate an annual JBP for all key suppliers which incorporates a planned promotional activity plan which is effective, competitive and supplier funded this JBP must drive the performance of sales and cash profit for the group
• Negotiate annual trading terms which are favourable to the previous trading year with all key suppliers. These terms must be able to deliver the budgeted supplier income budget number
• Develop new initiatives and areas of business which will drive incremental sales and therefore cash profit year on year
• Maintain prices in line with Wholesale and Retail policies
• Work in conjunction with Sales and Operational teams across the business to ensure that all areas are profitable
• Source, interpret and then make recommendations relating to any significant market changes that may impact performance in the market for the defined areas of control
• Working internally with supply chain and externally with suppliers to forecast stock requirements including promotions and seasonal fluctuations

Some Key Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required:

• Minimum of 5 years as a Buyer / Trader within a leading Wholesaler or Retailer. A combination of both is highly desirable
• Previous experience in a similar role managing people, with a track record of success is essential
• Demonstrable experience in managing categories from procurement of stock through to marketing and delivery to the consumer
• Excellent industry knowledge, including specific product knowledge, to deliver a targeted offering to customers
• Experience of negotiating with senior personnel within ‘Blue Chip’ suppliers

What’s in it for you?

• Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi-diverse culture
• Gain hands-on experience in a high volume, fast paced environment
  Excellent benefits package including:
• Holiday, Maternity and Paternity leave and pay in excess of statutory entitlements
• Generous staff discount in all our SPAR stores (excl. Alcohol & Cigarettes)
• Proactive promotion of internal candidates
• 24/7 access to your payslips and Rotas via HR/Payroll portal
• Wellbeing support – access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice
• Company Pension Scheme
• Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
• Long Service Awards

Inclusive environment: as a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Download job description for further details

Department

Group Trading

Contract type

Permanent

competative Plus Company Car (or Car Allowance) plus excellent benefits

Company Sick Pay Scheme, Additional Holidays, Company Pension Scheme, Staff Discount, Long Service Awards, Life Cover, Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee Volunteering Opportunities, Company Vehicle commensurate with job role

Closing date for applications

18th September, 2026

Associated files

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