Trading Controller

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Trading Controller who is passionate about delivering excellent service and standards to our customers. The key purpose of this role is to maximise sales, cash margin, and percentage gross profit within defined commodity groups through effective negotiations, promotions, and range management. You will optimise the supply chain to ensure full product availability while working within agreed stock holding parameters, specifically stock value targets set by the business. You will also control short dates, quarantined, and eliminated stock to minimise impact on the bottom line.

Responsibilities

• Deliver annual sales, profit, and supplier income in line with budgeted targets.
• Negotiate an annual Joint Business Plan (JBP) for all key suppliers, incorporating a planned promotional activity plan that is effective, competitive, and supplier-funded to drive sales and cash profit.
• Negotiate annual trading terms with all key suppliers to improve upon the previous year and deliver the budgeted supplier income.
• Develop new initiatives to drive incremental sales and cash profit year on year.
• Maintain prices in line with Wholesale and Retail policies.
• Collaborate with Sales and Operational teams to ensure all business areas remain profitable.
• Source, interpret, and make recommendations on significant market changes that may impact performance.
• Work internally with the supply chain and externally with suppliers to forecast stock requirements, including promotions and seasonal fluctuations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years as a Buyer/Trader within a leading Wholesaler or Retailer (a combination of both is highly desirable).
• Previous experience in a similar role managing people, with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrable experience in managing categories from procurement to marketing and delivery to the consumer.
• Excellent industry knowledge, including specific product expertise, to deliver a targeted offering to customers.
• Experience negotiating with senior personnel within ‘Blue Chip’ suppliers.

About us

We are a dynamic and innovative retail, wholesale, and foodservice business committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying at the forefront of industry trends. The company owns 303 SPAR convenience stores, employs over 6,000 people, and has a turnover of £1.3 billion.

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus company car (or car allowance).
• Outstanding training and development opportunities in a supportive, multi-diverse culture.
• Holiday, maternity, and paternity leave and pay exceeding statutory entitlements.
• Generous staff discount in all SPAR stores (excluding alcohol and cigarettes).
• Proactive promotion of internal candidates.
• 24/7 access to payslips and rotas via HR/Payroll portal.
• Wellbeing support, including emotional, counselling, legal, and financial advice.
• Company Pension Scheme (NEST).
• Company Life Insurance worth 1x annual salary (or 6x with the Company Pension Scheme).
• Extra holidays purchase scheme.
• Long service awards.
• Company Sick Pay Scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Employee volunteering opportunities.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace and offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Location: Willenhall (West Midlands). Contract type: Permanent.