Assistant Trading/Buying Manager Belfast | Hybrid Join Our Family at Musgrave Musgrave is one of Europes most successful family-owned businesses, with a rich 150-year legacy in food and brand innovation. We're proud to serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 18 iconic brands like SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave MarketPlace. By supporting thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses, we make a positive impact on the communities they serve. We're committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland, and we're looking for dynamic, forward-thinking individuals to join us on this journey. As we continue our journey toward becoming Irelands most trusted and sustainable business, we have an exciting opportunity for a successful candidate to join our team as an Assistant Trading Manager. As Assistant Trading Manager, you will optimise the contribution of the assigned product portfolio to the overall sales performance and profitability of both Musgrave and their Retail Partners in Northern Ireland. This will be achieved by building strong supplier and customer partnerships which will enable sustainable sourcing and supply of quality products, at optimum prices and in a timely manner. This will also involve working and liaising with other departments internally here in NI and also with the wider Musgrave central functions. This role will be responsible for: Manage Product Portfolio Reviewing product range on a regular and ongoing basis reflecting best practice category management principles and informed by market and consumer research, marketing and sales department input and supplier innovations Developing and communicating category management plans to all departments and customers ensuring their full understanding, buy-in and implementation with a view to optimising sales effectiveness and profitability Developing detailed range rationalisation and refreshment plans in line with our range review process and calendar Developing seasonal supply plans to meet anticipated demand uplifts and down turns Identifying appropriate sources for product supply which enhance the consumer offer and improve quality, service and/or cost to the business Identifying opportunities and/or challenges in the supply chain which contribute to or detract from the successful on shelf offer for the consumer Cost Negotiation Monitoring the performance of all products in terms of volume, margin contribution and market share and taking appropriate steps as necessary to achieve operational targets Analysing competitor pricing and supplier cost base to ensure customer offer is aligned to market Negotiating purchase price and supply terms and conditions in line with Musgrave NI policies and guidelines Balancing the mix of cost price, discounts, bonuses, rebates, special offers and promotional activity to achieve the brand positioning of a quality value for money consumer offer Leveraging the overall buying power of the Musgrave Group in all negotiations Developing detailed promotional strategies and plans to optimise revenue and margin opportunities within the promotional spend budget Setting wholesale selling price and managing Musgrave and retailer margins in line with policies Accurately maintaining the portfolio price file Revising promotional activities in accordance with market conditions Supplier relationship Attending customer cluster meetings and other retailer forums Ensuring regular professional and productive communication with all suppliers and customers to ensure that the total supply chain operates as efficiently and effectively as possible Monitoring vendor performance and taking steps to address poor performance as necessary What youll be doing: Minimum of 1 years experience at buyer level with responsibility for managing categories or product portfolios within the food retail/wholesale industry Previous experience in data analysis and interpretation Proven track record of delivering commercial results in a fast-moving environment Experience of working on a cross functional or cross departmental basis Strong commercial acumen Systematic problem-solving and planning ability Excellent written and verbal communication skills Negotiation and conflict resolution skills Strong numeracy skills Excellent working knowledge Microsoft package in particular Excel Ability to make decisions, meet targets and work under pressure Excellent planning and organisational skills What is nice to have: 3rd level qualification in Business, Finance or related subject Experience of working within a Buying/Trading function Previous experience of working opposite suppliers and/or retailers Knowledge of the NI grocery industry What we Offer or Why Musgrave: Career Development: With a commitment to your personal and professional growth, Musgrave offers numerous opportunities for advancement and learning. Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team, where your contributions will make a significant impact Innovation Focus: Be part of a company that values forward-thinking solutions Community Focus: Be part of a company that truly values its communities and strives to make a positive impact. Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a long-standing commitment to community and innovation. Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now and join is in creating a future where business success and positive change go hand in hand Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know. Musgrave operate a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.