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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing a strategic produce category and drive sales growth.
- Company: Join Booker, the UK's top food & drink wholesaler, supporting local businesses nationwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, health support, flexible working, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-profile role with real impact on sustainability and ethical practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Candidates must be over 18; this is a full-time director-level position.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Booker Wellingborough, England, United Kingdom
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Booker Group is recruiting for a Head of Trade for Produce. In this role, you will manage a strategic, high-profile Category with full end-to-end accountability for the delivery of Sales, customer, and Profit targets.
You will be part of the Senior team with day-to-day responsibility for Direct Reports and a broader Team of Category Managers, Assistant Buyers, and Category Assistants. This role covers a complex supply base with multiple need states and involves strategic projects related to Retail and Catering, such as Supply Chain transformation, requiring cross-functional stakeholder engagement and leadership.
About the role
Manage a strategic category, oversee negotiations, develop and implement category plans, and deliver key metrics for Catering and Retail. Lead the category team, manage performance, and support diversity and inclusion initiatives. Drive growth of Own Brand, optimize product ranges, and collaborate with senior management on opportunities and process improvements. Ensure sustainable practices and uphold ethical standards.
Responsibilities
- Annual negotiations with suppliers to ensure competitive terms and coaching team where appropriate
- Development and implementation of category plans to meet key metrics
- Delivery of profit and customer satisfaction targets
- Ensure high inbound Supplier Service Levels
- Develop strategic plans and work cross-functionally to deliver them
- Lead and develop the category team, managing performance and talent development
- Grow Own Brand business through sourcing and innovation
- Optimize product range distribution across estates
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation
- Collaborate with Finance for accurate forecasting
- Promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact
- Uphold company values, integrity, diversity, and ethical standards
- Ensure negotiations adhere to GSCOP guidelines
- Deputize for the Director of Trading when needed
Requirements
- Experience in Category Management in Produce
- In-depth Supply Chain knowledge
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
- Understanding of Branch and Network processes
- Experience with multi-site customers and key accounts
- Strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Leadership skills to develop talent and drive performance
- Degree level education
- Skilled negotiator with supplier management experience
- Experience with supply base reviews and strategic sourcing
- Understanding of group buying and stakeholder engagement
- Proven ability to work autonomously and deliver results
What’s in it for you?
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including employee discounts, insurance, health and wellbeing support, share schemes, pension, life assurance, and flexible working options. We promote diversity and an inclusive culture where everyone is welcome.
About Us
Booker is the UK\’s leading food & drink wholesaler, serving independent retailers, caterers, and small businesses across the country. We operate numerous branches and support centres UK-wide. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a welcoming environment for all employees.
We are a Disability Confident employer and support accessible recruitment processes. For accessibility support, contact .
Please note: Candidates must be over 18 for roles involving early/late shifts or warehouse work. High-volume applications may close early. We only provide interview feedback to shortlisted candidates.
Booker Group is part of Tesco plc but operates separately; benefits differ from Tesco.
For more information, visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk
Additional details
- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Other
- Industries: Wholesale
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Head of Trade - Produce employer: Booker
Contact Detail:
Booker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trade - Produce
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food and drink wholesale industry. Attend relevant trade shows, conferences, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture at Booker.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in category management and supply chain practices, particularly in the produce sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance and developed talent within your team, as this is crucial for the Head of Trade role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Booker’s values and their commitment to sustainability and diversity. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their initiatives in these areas.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trade - Produce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Trade - Produce position at Booker. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in Category Management, particularly in Produce. Emphasise your skills in strategic planning, supplier negotiations, and stakeholder management, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the food and drink industry and your understanding of the challenges in the supply chain. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet sales and profit targets.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've developed talent and driven performance in previous roles, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Booker
✨Showcase Your Category Management Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in category management, especially within the produce sector. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed categories, negotiated with suppliers, and achieved sales targets.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a team, it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've developed talent, managed performance, and fostered an inclusive team environment in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the strategic nature of this position, be ready to discuss your approach to developing and implementing category plans. Think about how you can align these plans with broader business objectives and demonstrate your analytical skills.
✨Understand Supply Chain Dynamics
Since the role requires in-depth supply chain knowledge, brush up on your understanding of supply chain processes and how they relate to category management. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex supply bases and improved service levels in the past.