Trading Manager - G.A.P.

TN United Kingdom; Preston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Trading Manager to enhance supplier relationships and optimize product offerings. In this pivotal role, you will drive profitability through effective negotiations and strategic sourcing. Your expertise will help maintain product quality while achieving service level targets. Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, and enjoy benefits like a loyalty award, access to a company doctor, and a subsidized canteen. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially focused individual to make a significant impact in a thriving business.

Benefits

Loyalty Award

Company Doctor

Free On-site Parking

Subsidised Canteen

Learning & Development

Grocery Aid

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in retail or wholesale buying.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills with proven results.

Responsibilities

• Drive value within the wholesale business through supplier relationships.
• Manage trading performance and product availability across categories.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Thinking

Communication Skills

Commercial Awareness

Microsoft Office

Job description

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G.A.P. Convenience Distribution Ltd. is best known as a trusted supplier to garage forecourts and convenience stores across the North West. Based from our purpose built warehouse and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston.

G.A.P. are an established business with enormous potential for growth across all of our divisions. We are dedicated to supplying all of our customers with the best products available and ensuring our colleagues feel part or the team, passionate and motivated in the work they do

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Trading Manager to join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in enhancing our supplier relationships and optimising our product offerings for our stores and wholesale business.

Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing

Responsible for driving value within the wholesale business through effective supplier relationships, strategic sourcing, and fast-paced negotiation. The role focuses on enhancing profitability, maintaining product quality, and supporting service level achievements through insightful market knowledge and robust commercial governance.

• Manage and maintain accurate product price files.
• Drive cost reductions without compromising product quality.
• Develop and implement competitive promotional and seasonal plans.
• Maximise sales revenue, profit margins, and supplier income.
• Meet and support service level targets across categories.
• Manage trading performance and product availability across multiple categories.
• Select, source, and exit product ranges effectively.
• Monitor retail trends, competitor actions, and evolving retailer needs.
• Work collaboratively with Trading colleagues to deliver cost efficiencies.
• Lead supplier negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and promotions.
• Build strong supplier relationships to unlock savings and strategic value.
• Forecast key promotions and liaise with suppliers and stock teams to optimise service levels.
• Conduct benchmarking and regular store visits to keep offers relevant.
• Ensure compliance with UKCA, UL, and EC legislation.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of wholesale, supplier, market, and product trends.
• Apply buying expertise and negotiation skills backed by regulatory awareness.

A Few Things About You

Bringing a minimum of three years' experience in retail or wholesale buying, the role requires a commercially focused individual with a proven track record in delivering results. Strong negotiation abilities, effective communication and analytical thinking are essential.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in retail, wholesale buying, or relevant commercial roles.
• Proven success in achieving financial targets and delivering results.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills with a proven ability to close deals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and results driven.
• Thrives under pressure and meets tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and sound decision-making abilities.
• Collaborative team player.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with all stakeholders.
• Builds strong internal and external relationships.
• Able to influence colleagues, customers, and suppliers across all levels.

Why us?

G.A.P. Convenience Distribution Ltd are proud to be part of the James Hall & Co. family of companies. As a result, below are just some of the benefits we are able to offer you.

Loyalty award – From day one you will receive £0.25p per hour for every hour you work. You will then receive this as a lump sum on the pay period after your 12 month anniversary.

Company Doctor – We care about the health and wellbeing of our people. That is why you will have access to our company doctor with the ability to book appointments directly.

Free On-site Parking - You don’t have to worry about paying for parking or getting from your car to work as our site boasts a secure car park for your use. We also support the ‘Cycle To Work’ scheme if you prefer a alternative form of transport.

Subsidised Canteen – We know how hard our people work so when hunger strikes, we have an excellent on-site canteen that offers a wide range of freshly cooked meals, salads, sandwiches and confectionary plus free tea and coffee

Learning & Development – We want all of our colleagues to reach their full potential. That is why you will benefit from our in-house learning and development team who will provide you access to fully funded accredited training and industry recognised qualifications.

Grocery Aid –We work with the national charity Grocery Aid to provide all colleagues a 24/7 helpline service that is free, independent and confidential. Grocery Aid also offer a wide range of other fantastic services to support you when you need it.