Overview
Assistant Trading/Buying Manager role at Musgrave, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Hybrid working arrangement. Musgrave is a family-owned business with a 150-year legacy in food and brand innovation. We serve communities across Ireland and Spain and partner with thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses.
As Assistant Trading Manager, you will optimise the contribution of the assigned product portfolio to the overall sales performance and profitability of Musgrave and its Retail Partners in Northern Ireland. This will be achieved by building strong supplier and customer partnerships to enable sustainable sourcing and supply of quality products, at optimum prices and in a timely manner. You will work with other departments internally in NI and with Musgrave central functions.
Responsibilities
* 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 you’ll be doing
* Minimum of 1 year’s 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 of Microsoft Excel
* Ability to make decisions, meet targets and work under pressure
* Excellent planning and organisational skills
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
* Career Development: Opportunities for personal and professional growth
* Collaborative Environment: Work with a passionate team
* Innovation Focus: Be part of forward-thinking solutions
* Community Focus: Values communities and positive impact
* Legacy: Long-standing commitment to community and innovation
Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.
Administrative
* Musgrave operates a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate between in-office and remote work
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Musgrave by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr