We’re looking for an independent retail/symbol group focused National Retail Manager to join our Co-op Wholesale team. We’re entering our next exciting phase of growth, and with that, we've got new opportunities emerging across Co-op Wholesale, like this one.
In this role, you’ll take the lead in driving our ambitious retail strategy across England and Wales, with a strong focus on independent retail and partnerships. You’ll be responsible for growing sales by developing and managing key relationships with our independent retail partners, ensuring they thrive in a competitive market while fostering long-term sales growth.
This role requires strong commercial acumen to understand and drive P&L performance, ensuring profitability and sustainability. You'll play a key role in maximising relationships with our independent retailers, helping them succeed while securing lasting business growth.
You’ll have the opportunity to lead a large team, support a rapidly expanding customer base, and shape the future of our retail presence. If you're commercially driven and ready to make a real impact, this is the role for you.
What you’ll do
• Regularly travel to applicable sites across country to meet customers, support team and attend business meetings
• Have the autonomy to lead, mentor, and support the development of a team of Retail Development Managers to deliver against the sales budget
• Build and develop meaningful relationships with new and existing retail partners to deliver our retail strategy and minimise partner exits
• Provide meaningful insight into partner performance, driving activity and actions to make improvements
• Plan and prioritise retailer partner account management activity in line with our business strategy
• Implement Co-op Wholesale’s sales / trading strategy to drive partner growth and loyalty
• Manage any partner issues or complaints through to resolution
• Manage contractual relationships effectively to drive positive value
This role would suit people who have
• Strong knowledge of wholesale sector and the independent retailing, with a focus on independent retailing and symbol groups
• A background in sales and retailer management, with excellent negotiation skills
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, while maintaining a customer-focused approach
• Proven leadership experience, including mentoring and team development
• A talent for building strong relationships and solving problems with a strategic mindset
Why Co-op?
As part of our Co-op Wholesale team, you’ll get all the great benefits, training, and opportunities you’d expect in a large business like Co-op, as well as the close-knit culture and breadth of exposure that comes with working for a much smaller organisation. Your package includes:
• 30% off Co-op branded products in our food stores (as well as other discounts on Co-op products and services)
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Coaching and training to support your career development
• Hybrid and flexible working options to support your work/life balance
• Wagestream app – giving you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn
Please note that we may close applications for this role early.
As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes.