Trading Controller

Blakemore Trade Partners; Hilton Head Island (SC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car or car allowance

Job summary

SPAR UK in Willenhall (West Midlands) seeks a Trading Controller to maximise sales, cash margin and GP within defined commodity groups through effective negotiations, promotions and range management.

You will optimise the supply chain to ensure full availability of product range while maintaining stock holding targets; short dates and quarantined stock must be controlled to minimise impact on the bottom line.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years as a Buyer / Trader within a leading Wholesaler or Retailer.
• Previous experience in a similar role managing people with a track record of success.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Buyer/Trader experience

People management

Category management

Industry/product knowledge

Supplier negotiations

Job description

Willenhall (West Midlands)

We have an

Role overview

Trading Controller

Competative Salary, plus Company Car (or Car Allowance) plus excellent benefits package.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, friendly, and able to work on own initiative and able to raise concerns where appropriate.

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

Who Are We

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.

What's in it for you?

• Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi-diverse culture
• Outstanding Training & Development
• 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
• NEST pension scheme
• Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
• Extra Holidays - Purchase 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

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

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