Trading Manager

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

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking a Trading Manager to join their Buying team in Bracknell. This role focuses on driving commercial performance across product categories, leading a team of Buyers, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate has significant experience in trading and negotiation, and will thrive in a hybrid working environment that encourages collaboration between home and office. This position offers competitive salary and extensive career development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working

Career growth opportunities

Employee ownership

Qualifications

• Commercial experience at Trading Manager level or equivalent with strong results.
• Experience in creating and delivering strategic plans and budget forecasts.
• Cross-functional stakeholder management across multiple levels.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for commercial performance of product categories, delivering KPIs.
• Work cross-functionally to optimise annual trading plan.
• Lead a team of Buyers, inspiring high standards of delivery.

Skills

Commercial experience

People management

Strategic planning

Commercial negotiations

Stakeholder management

Tools

Tableau

Anaplan

NielsenIQ

Job description

Overview

About the role At Waitrose as part of the John Lewis Partnership, we’re not just about business; we’re about building a happier world for everyone. Our Partners drive our purpose, and guide us in our ambition to make a positive impact on the world around us. Waitrose combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist food shop, with a focus on customers, suppliers, and the environment. We have an exciting opportunity to join our Buying team as a Trading Manager, reporting into the Head of Category Proposition Group (CPG) within the Commercial function. The Trading Manager is responsible for the commercial performance of the product categories within their remit, driving sales and profit targets across all channels (stores and online) with a customer focus. This role involves leading and coaching a team of Buyers (approx. 7 Buyers), and fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., Own Brand, Merchandising Operations, Commercial Finance) and suppliers (Branded and Own brand) to successfully deliver category plans.

• Salary – £75,700.00 - £121,000.00

• Contract type – This position is a Permanent opportunity

• Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you can work a mixture between the office and home based upon personal needs while balancing the needs of the business.

• The team aim for around 3 days a week in the office, visiting suppliers or in stores to connect as a team and with stakeholders.

• Location – This role is a hybrid role; home location is Bracknell

• Interview Dates – From 29/1/26 - 4/2/26. Interviews will be held in the Bracknell office.

Key Responsibilities

• The Trading Manager is responsible for the commercial performance of categories within their remit (Category Groups), delivering KPIs including sales and profit targets.

• Work cross-functionally to optimise and deliver the annual trading plan across all channels (retail including convenience stores, online, B2B), putting the customer at the heart of decision making. Key teams to partner with include Merchandising Operations (Supply Chain), Commercial Finance, Commercial Management, Category Management, Value and Trade Planning, Space and Range and Own Brand.

• Lead a team of Buyers, inspiring high standards of delivery through role modelling and coaching, helping the team to prioritise within a fast paced, changing environment.

• Collaborate with the Own Brand team to advocate for product quality, taste and market leading innovation, guiding the team through the Innovation Stage Gate process and planning key seasonal events to achieve commercial success.

• Build relationships with key contacts within the Supply Base across Branded and Own Brand Suppliers, requiring excellent negotiation and influencing skills to achieve positive outcomes for Waitrose and our customers.

• Oversee key cross-functional processes to achieve deadlines including reporting on Trading performance, planning Secondary Space and Forecasting.

• Leverage multiple data points to inform decision making, applying data and insight capability with a continuous improvement mindset.

• As a senior member of the Trading Leadership team, contribute to the 3-5 year vision for the CPG and deputise for the Head of CPG within key workstreams when necessary.

• Maintain awareness of the competitor and industry landscape.

• As a co-owner, role model the Partnership Behaviours and strive to make the world a better place through your impact.

• This role offers extensive exposure across the business and opportunities for career growth and progression.

Essential skills/experience

• Commercial experience at Trading Manager level, Buyer level or equivalent with a track record of delivering strong results.

• Experience in people management and coaching

• Experience in creating and delivering strategic plans and budget forecasts

• Experience in significant commercial negotiations

• Cross-functional stakeholder management across multiple levels

Desirable skills/experience

• Knowledge of negotiating skills such as GAP approach

• Proficient systems use (e.g. Tableau, Anaplan, NielsenIQ)

• Knowledge of Compliance (GSCOP, Competitive Law, etc.)

• Experience in other relevant functions (e.g., Category Management, Supply Operations, Commercial Finance)

About The Partnership

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees; we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. We continue to be brilliant at retail, innovate, adapt and diversify. We Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners we share ownership and contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, upholding our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong, embracing differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and thrive. As Partners, we make all the difference and own it.

Important points to note

Some roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks). If required, you’ll be informed during the recruitment process. DBS checks are carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some roles.

We occasionally close vacancies early when there is high volume of applications; apply early. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability, please contact us as soon as possible.

We support flexible working where possible, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts. Please discuss this with the hiring manager during your interview.