Trading Manager

Mon Fri, 40 hours per week with 4 out of 5 days based in our Rugby office. Candidates must live within a reasonable travel time to Rugby and understand the role is office based. They must have previous Purchasing experience and experience in Supplier Management and negotiation.

Company Overview: Advanced Total Supplies is part of the AHG Group of companies providing procurement and fulfilment services primarily to the charitable sector, local authorities and housing associations throughout the UK. Following a period of significant growth and continued expansion plans, this is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced and evolving business.

Purpose of the Role: To source and develop commercially competitive product ranges that support the Company’s trading objectives, customer requirements, margin expectations, and supply chain efficiencies. Working closely with Sales, Purchasing, Logistics, Marketing, and Suppliers, the Trading Manager will ensure the business maintains a relevant, competitive, and commercially successful product offering across white goods, furniture, and everyday household products.

Main Duties:

• Work closely with the Sales Team to understand customer requirements, develop commercially competitive product ranges, and support pricing strategies aligned to business targets.
• Continuously review market trends, customer demand, and sector changes to ensure the product offering remains competitive and commercially relevant.
• Develop and maintain balanced product ranges that provide customers with clear choice, value, availability, and targeted margin performance across all key categories.
• Monitor margin performance and commercial KPIs to ensure products and suppliers deliver against agreed business objectives.
• Source products through market research, industry knowledge, supplier relationships, trade events, and competitor analysis.
• Negotiate pricing, trading terms, and supply agreements to achieve margin and service targets while ensuring products meet legal, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as the primary day-to-day contact for nominated suppliers.
• Attend supplier meetings, trade shows, and industry events in the UK and overseas where required.
• Work with suppliers, customers, and internal sales data to develop accurate forecasts and maintain stock availability.
• Liaise with the Purchasing Team to ensure ERP systems and product data remain accurate and up to date.
• Provide Purchasing Assistants with all relevant product setup information and ordering requirements to support efficient operational delivery.
• Work closely with Logistics to support stock planning and inbound forecasting requirements.
• Provide Marketing with accurate product information and collateral to support websites, portals, brochures, and customer communications.
• Support Finance by ensuring supplier terms, pricing structures, and commercial agreements are maintained accurately.
• Support customer and supplier meetings where required and provide accurate pricing, product data, and imagery for promotional activity.

Skills Required:

• Essential: Minimum 2 years experience within a Buying, Trading, or Purchasing role.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to understand customer and business requirements.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating pricing and commercial terms.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both internal and external stakeholders with a professional and positive attitude.
• Demonstrable organisational, prioritisation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ERP/business systems.
• Ability to work well with others and build rapport with colleagues and customers.

• Desirable: Experience within white goods, furniture, household products, or FMCG sectors.
• Experience working within an SME or fast-paced trading environment.
• Knowledge of stock forecasting, supply chain processes, and product compliance requirements.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.