Our people are the heart of our business. As our greatest asset, they make Musgrave a great place to work and in return we aim to be the very best place to work, grow and thrive.
We have an opportunity for an Assistant Trading Manager to join our Trading team. Our buying/trading teams are responsible for buying the right products for our customers at the right price, analysing data and negotiating with suppliers to ensure that we drive sales and profit for our retail partners. They work closely with internal stakeholders in Marketing, Sales, Own Brand Development, and Supply Chain to ensure the right product range is available, delivering competitive promotions to drive sales, and innovating to meet customer needs and upcoming trends.
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 involves building strong supplier and customer partnerships to enable sustainable sourcing and supply of quality products, at optimal prices and in a timely manner. You will also liaise with other departments internally here in NI and with the wider Musgrave Group functions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Review product range regularly, reflecting best practice category management principles, informed by market and consumer research, marketing, sales input, and supplier innovations.
2. Develop and communicate category management plans to all departments and customers, ensuring understanding, buy-in, and implementation to optimise sales effectiveness and profitability.
3. Create detailed range rationalisation and refreshment plans aligned with our range review process and calendar.
4. Develop seasonal supply plans to meet demand fluctuations.
5. Identify sources for product supply that enhance consumer offer and improve quality, service, and/or costs.
6. Monitor the performance of all products in terms of volume, margin contribution, and market share, taking necessary actions to meet operational targets.
7. Analyse competitor pricing and supplier costs to ensure market-aligned customer offers.
8. Negotiate purchase prices and supply terms in line with Musgrave NI policies.
9. Balance cost price, discounts, bonuses, rebates, and promotional activity to position the brand as a quality, value-for-money offering.
10. Leverage Musgrave Group's buying power in negotiations.
11. Develop promotional strategies to optimise revenue and margins within budget.
12. Set wholesale prices and manage margins according to policies.
13. Maintain the portfolio price file accurately.
14. Adjust promotional activities based on market conditions.
15. Attend customer cluster meetings and retailer forums.
16. Maintain professional communication with suppliers and customers for efficient supply chain operations.
17. Monitor vendor performance and address issues as needed.
Minimum Requirements
* At least 1 year of experience managing categories or product portfolios within the food retail/wholesale industry.
* Experience in data analysis and interpretation.
* Proven track record of delivering commercial results in a fast-paced environment.
* Experience working cross-functionally or cross-departmentally.
* Strong commercial acumen.
* Problem-solving and planning skills.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
* Ability to make decisions, meet targets, and work under pressure.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills.
* Third-level qualification in Business, Finance, or related field.
* Experience working within a Trading function.
* Experience working with suppliers and/or retailers.
* Knowledge of the NI grocery industry.
Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If accommodations are needed during the interview process, please let us know.
Musgrave operates a Work Smart hybrid working model, allowing you to alternate between in-office and remote work.
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