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- Tasks: Lead meat trading and procurement strategies while driving business growth.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail and foodservice business with over 5,000 employees.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20% bonus, company car, and 34 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment with excellent training opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in meat trading and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to inclusivity in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Featherstone, West Midlands. Office and hybrid working can be accommodated with this role.
Salary: Very competitive (based on individual skills, experience and potential to grow sales) plus excellent benefits package including 20% bonus opportunity, Company Car or Car Allowance.
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 40hrs p/w
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Trader to join our award winning team working within our Fresh Foods division based in the Midlands.
Company Overview: 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. A company that now owns 260 SPAR convenience stores and employs more than 5,000 people, with a turnover of £1.3 billion.
About the role: As a Senior Trader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our forward sales and procurement strategy. Your key responsibility will be to take a lead role in shaping our purchasing and selling strategy on meat and developing new business, both directly in container loads and in pallet quantities out of our own depot. This role is as a senior leader within Blakemore Meats and will form an integral part of the senior commercial leadership driving the business forwards.
Key accountabilities:
- Source high-quality meat from UK and international suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing, timely delivery and alignment with BRC standards.
- Monitor market trends, supply, and demand dynamics to make informed trading decisions.
- Leverage your existing network of customer and supplier relationships within the meat industry.
- Be an integral part of the commercial leadership team to shape our strategy for continued growth.
- Mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations, logistics, and market volatility.
- Develop and execute sales strategies to maximise sales and profitability.
- The effective control of waste product throughout the supply chain.
- Ensuring all administration processes are adhered to.
- Management of ranging requirements in line with the company purchasing strategy.
- Management and control of historical purchases.
- Support and promote food safety, quality, legality, and authenticity within the role.
- Ensure compliance with The Blakemore Way and appropriate levels of the competency framework.
- Maintain employee and organisational confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act.
- Demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity.
- Comply with Health and Safety responsibilities in line with the Company Health, Safety and Environmental Policy.
- Comply with all other policy and legal requirements in relation to role.
Key Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required:
- Proven track record in meat trading, procurement and sales, with exposure to all key proteins.
- Established connections with suppliers, producers, and customers.
- Ability to analyse market data and make informed decisions.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Programs.
- Self-starter, quick to take the initiative and spot new opportunities.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships, influence, negotiate and persuade.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to use logical and creative thinking to solve problems and make decisions.
- Entrepreneurial and innovative with a delivery focus.
- Commercially focused, capable of delivering results in a cost-effective manner.
- Strong negotiation skills are an essential.
- Customer focussed and understands the importance of this to the business.
- Challenges appropriately and identifies areas for improvement.
- Demonstrates integrity, a strong work ethic and upholds the company values and principles.
- Ability to deal with conflict in an effective and professional manner.
- Flexible approach to working hours.
- Extremely self-motivated and driven.
What’s in it for you?
- You will play a vital role in our business and have a huge impact on our success so not only will you receive excellent training, support and continued development but we will also offer a competitive salary and superb benefits package.
- 34 days holiday per year including public holidays (Increasing after 3, 5 and 10 years).
- Use of a Company Car, or take a Car Allowance.
- Bonus of up to 20% of annual salary.
- Private medical insurance.
- Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi-diverse culture.
- Outstanding Training & Development opportunities.
- Gain hands-on experience in a high volume, fast paced environment.
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay packages.
- Flexible working hours opportunity.
- Excellent additional benefits package including: Early access to your pay through EarlyPay, 24/7 access to your payslips via HR/Payroll portal, 12.5% Staff discount on fresh items & 10% Staff Discount on ambient products in our SPAR stores (ex. Alcohol & Cigarettes), Wellbeing support access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice, Company Pension Scheme, Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme, NEST pension scheme, Extra Holiday - Purchase Scheme, Long Service Awards.
- Inclusive environment: as a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
You may have experience in the following: Senior Category Manager, Senior Meat Trader, Senior Buyer, Commercial Lead, Supply Chain Lead, Fresh Food Trading Manager, Buying Controller, Senior Fresh Buyer, Procurement Manager, Commercial Manager, Category Lead, etc.
Senior Trader (Meat) employer: AF Blakemore - Fresh Foods
Contact Detail:
AF Blakemore - Fresh Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Trader (Meat)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the meat industry! Attend trade shows, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that who you know can sometimes matter just as much as what you know.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your proven track record in meat trading and procurement. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated market trends or built strong supplier relationships. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategies
Prepare to talk about your approach to developing sales strategies and mitigating risks in the meat market. Think about how you can contribute to shaping the company's purchasing and selling strategy. We love candidates who come in with fresh ideas and a clear vision for growth!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our award-winning team. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Trader (Meat)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Trader role. Highlight your experience in meat trading and procurement, and don’t forget to showcase those established connections you have in the industry!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at Blakemore Meats. Mention specific achievements and how they relate to the key accountabilities of the role.
Show Off Your Market Knowledge: We want to see that you know your stuff! In your application, reference any market trends or supply dynamics you've navigated in the past. This will show us you’re ready to make informed trading decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
How to prepare for a job interview at AF Blakemore - Fresh Foods
✨Know Your Meat Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends in the meat industry. Understand supply and demand dynamics, pricing strategies, and key players in the market. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and well-prepared.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since this role requires strong relationships with suppliers and customers, be ready to discuss your existing connections. Share specific examples of how you've successfully leveraged these relationships in past roles to drive sales or improve procurement strategies.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to analyse market data effectively. Bring examples of how you've used data to make informed trading decisions in the past. This could include case studies or scenarios where your analysis led to successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Qualities
As a Senior Trader, you'll be part of the commercial leadership team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've driven teams towards achieving business goals. Highlight your ability to challenge appropriately and identify areas for improvement.
