Trading Manager

D R Newitt Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

D R Newitt Recruitment is seeking a Category Manager to develop and deliver category strategies, negotiate with suppliers and optimise terms in a fast-paced environment in Greater London. The role focuses on profitability, product availability and cost-price management to drive commercial success.

You will lead cross-functional negotiations, manage supplier relationships, analyse data to identify growth opportunities and align with internal teams to implement strategic plans.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years' successful commercial negotiation experience.
• Experience analysing and interpreting complex data.
• Experience managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience working within a large, fast-paced organisation.
• Proven experience managing multiple stakeholders and commercial relationships.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong Excel skills and Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Degree or equivalent in Business or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category plans, supplier strategies and core ranges.
• Lead supplier negotiations, including national terms, cost prices and promotional investment.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, resolving supply issues.
• Analyse supplier strengths/weaknesses using SWOT and identify opportunities/risks.
• Manage promotional plans and ensure competitive activity and returns.
• Identify seasonal opportunities and manage volume planning and sell-through.

Skills

Negotiation

Data analysis

Category management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / related

Tools

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Occasional travel to distribution centres and suppliers may be required.

Role Purpose

Develop and deliver category strategies that improve profitability, optimise supplier terms, reduce costs and maintain strong product availability. Lead supplier negotiations, promotional planning, seasonal activity and cost-price management while working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category plans, supplier strategies and core ranges.
• Lead supplier negotiations, including national terms, cost prices, promotional investment and commercial agreements.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance and supply issues, developing improvement plans where required.
• Analyse supplier strengths and weaknesses using SWOT analysis and identify commercial opportunities and risks.
• Manage promotional plans, ensuring competitive activity, strong execution and commercial returns.
• Identify seasonal opportunities and manage volume planning, sell-through and clearance strategies.
• Forecast income and promotional schemes, identifying risks and working with stakeholders on mitigation.
• Manage cost-price increases, ensuring accurate analysis, timely communication and stakeholder alignment.
• Monitor product availability and resolve complex supply issues with appropriate escalation.
• Lead category reviews and cross-functional projects, securing stakeholder alignment.
• Maintain awareness of legislation, product safety, market trends, commodity movements and competitor activity.
• Analyse complex commercial data to support decision-making and identify opportunities for growth and efficiency.
• Contribute to process improvement, standardisation and effective risk management.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build effective relationships with suppliers, distribution teams and internal stakeholders.
• Influence and negotiate with multiple stakeholders to achieve commercial objectives.
• Communicate clearly and adapt style to different audiences and situations.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and resolve issues collaboratively.
• Provide and receive constructive feedback and support the development of colleagues.

Qualifications & Experience

• Good standard of education, including English and Maths.
• 2–3 years' successful commercial negotiation experience.
• Experience analysing and interpreting complex data.
• Experience managing competing priorities and working to deadlines.
• Experience working within a recognised brand and large, fast-paced organisation.
• Proven experience managing multiple stakeholders and commercial relationships.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong Excel skills, with good working knowledge of Outlook, PowerPoint and Word.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and business environments.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Administration or a related discipline.
• 2–3 years' experience in a fast-paced office or commercial environment.

Core Competencies

• Commercial awareness and analytical thinking.
• Negotiation and influencing.
• Strategic planning and decision-making.
• Stakeholder and supplier management.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Collaborative working.
• Ability to manage risk and deliver against challenging objectives.