Trading Manager

Trading Manager | East Midlands | Up to £60k Basic | Hybrid (2 days in office) | 28 Days Holiday | Pension

This is a newly created, high-profile opportunity for an experienced Category Manager or Senior Category professional looking to take the next step into a broader, more strategic Trading Manager role.

You'll take full ownership of the trading and category performance across your areas, shaping and executing the commercial strategy while working closely with senior leadership to deliver budget, growth and margin objectives. The role of Trading Manager offers real influence across category strategy, supply chain optimisation and supplier partnerships, alongside the chance to lead and develop a high-performing team.

As Trading Manager, you will operate as a commercial leader across category management, supply chain and trading execution, using insight and data to drive sustainable performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Own and deliver trading performance through disciplined use of the four core levers: price, product, place and promotion
• Partner closely with Category Managers and Buyers to optimise category architecture, product life cycles and ranging decisions
• Actively manage stock profiles, availability and working capital, ensuring stock valuation remains within agreed budgets
• Lead supplier relationships at a senior level, negotiating improved trading terms, promotional investment and joint growth plans
• Work cross-functionally with senior trading, digital and supply chain stakeholders to unlock category growth across all channels
• Ensure seamless execution of promotions, launches and brand activity, with strong governance around NPD and range changes
• Provide clear, structured communication to sales and operational teams on new products, delists and promotional activity
• Take ownership of slow-moving and obsolete stock reduction, embedding proactive life-cycle management
• Maintain high standards of data accuracy, forecasting and demand planning to support effective commercial decision-making
• Ensure the trading team operates with strong category management principles and disciplined supply chain practices
• Lead, coach and inspire your team, developing capability and driving continuous improvement
• Step in for senior leadership when required, ensuring continuity of decision-making and execution

This role of Trading Manager will suit a commercially sharp Category Manager or Trading professional who is ready to broaden their impact and operate at a more strategic level.

You will bring:

• Proven experience delivering category growth, margin improvement and stock optimisation
• Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics, stock profiling and commercial forecasting
• Demonstrable leadership capability, with experience developing and motivating teams
• High levels of numeracy and analytical strength, with confidence using data to challenge and influence
• Experience managing senior supplier relationships and negotiating complex commercial agreements
• The ability to balance pace with rigour in a fast-moving, multi-channel environment
• A proactive, opportunity-led mindset with the confidence to challenge and improve ways of working
• A collaborative leadership style, underpinned by resilience, integrity and strong commercial judgement

Apply today to be considered for the position of Trading Manager.

BH35123