Trading Manager

John Lewis Partnership; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic individual to lead their Category Group Plan, fostering strong commercial relationships and driving results. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a hybrid environment, balancing office presence with remote flexibility. You will leverage your influencing skills and leadership qualities to inspire your team and achieve sales targets. With a focus on strategic planning and supplier negotiations, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of product offerings. If you are passionate about driving commercial success and enjoy working in a collaborative environment, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering results at Trading Manager or Buyer level.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Build and deliver the annual Category Group Plan with your team.
• Negotiate with suppliers to enhance margins and manage relationships.

Skills

Influencing Skills

Communication Skills

Numerical Abilities

Leadership Qualities

Commercial Negotiations

Education

Experience at Trading Manager or Buyer Level

Experience in People Management

Experience in Strategic Planning

Tools

BOBI

PIC

PWC

Job description

Apply on JLP Jobs

Visit the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners to apply.

About the role

Contract Type: 1 x permanent position
Location: Bracknell based with hybrid working (expectation to go into the office around 2-3 days per week)
Salary range: £75,700 - £121,000
Partnership Level: 5
Interviews: in person w/c 19th May

Key responsibilities

• Build the annual Category Group Plan and supporting Category Plans, aligning with Business and Category Proposition Plan, trade planning, supplier brand plans, category data, and customer insights. Include Trade/Promotional Plans.
• Deliver your Category Group Plan with your team of buyers and stakeholders, managing performance against targets and adjusting activities as needed.
• Provide forecasts and cost options for changes throughout the trading year.
• Achieve sales targets and profit goals through strategic planning.
• Own the supplier strategy and selection, supporting CSR and brand objectives.
• Manage commercial relationships between Waitrose and suppliers.
• Ensure the correct master range assortment is in place and manage the day-to-day assortment decisions.
• Negotiate with suppliers to increase margins in line with CSR policies.
• Operate in compliance with GSCoP, Competition Law, and Anti-Bribery regulations.
• Lead and foster a positive culture within your team and the wider organization.

Candidate profile

This role suits a self-motivated individual with strong influencing skills, excellent communication and numerical abilities, and leadership qualities. The candidate should be confident, assertive, and capable of inspiring and coaching others, working within a matrix management structure, with creativity and passion for products.

Minimum requirements

• Commercial experience at Trading Manager or Buyer level with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Experience in people management, coaching, and mentoring.
• Experience in creating strategic plans and budget forecasts.
• Experience in commercial negotiations.

Desirable skills and experience

• Leadership of cross-functional teams.
• Stakeholder management across multiple levels.
• Negotiation skills such as GAP approach.
• Knowledge of systems like BOBI, PIC, PWC.
• Understanding of compliance issues (GSCOP, Competitive Law).
• Experience in other directorates at a similar level.

External candidates should refer to the attached job outline for further details.