Role overview
Meat Trader Hybrid/Office - based either at our Depot in Hilton Cross (Featherstone) or our Depot in Talbot Green (South Wales)
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, Mobile Phone & Laptop.
We have an exciting new opportunity for a Meat Trader to join our award winning team working within our Blakemore Meats division based in the Midlands. Office and hybrid working can be accommodated with this role.
About the role
As a 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
Reporting into the Commercial Director you will be responsible for;
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
Financial Responsibilities
The achievement of budgeted income and profitability targets
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 as an alternative
Bonus of up to 20% of annual salary
Private medical insurance
Mobile Phone & laptop
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
About us:
At A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, we're proud of our heritage, but even more excited about our future. What started in Wolverhampton in 1917 as a small, family-run grocery store has grown into one of the UK's largest privately owned businesses, employing over 6,000 people and generating a turnover of £1.2 billion. We combine the strength of a global brand, while maintaining the values of a family business. We're constantly evolving, always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and support our colleagues, making this an exciting place to build your career.
Today, we operate at the heart of communities across the UK, with circa 300 SPAR convenience stores and a thriving business spanning retail, food service, and wholesale distribution. Food and drink remain at the core of everything we do, driving our passion for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences.
SPAR is the world's largest international food retail chain, encompassing more than 13,800 stores in 48 countries. With more than 2,600 stores and a turnover in excess of £3 billion, SPAR is also the UK's leading convenience store group. Being a ‘symbol' group means that individual SPAR members retain their independence but enjoy the many benefits of being a part of a global brand.
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.
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Contact Details:
AF Blakemore - Fresh Foods Recruitment Team
