At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trading strategies, manage purchasing and sales teams, and drive commercial growth.
- Company: Join Central Supplies, part of the established Kitwave Group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, training opportunities, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture focused on innovation and performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with strong growth potential.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in trading, supplier management, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
Salary: c. £70,000 (Depending on experience)
Who We Are
Central Supplies prides itself on the highest level of BRC accredited services and a broad range of quality products to suit all requirements. Our many long-standing employees have vast experience and understanding of customers' needs. Distribution is made from our purpose-built 31,500 sq. ft. warehouse situated within close proximity to Birmingham by our own fleet of chilled vehicles and additionally through a nationwide satellite depot distribution infrastructure provided by a partner sister Company. As part of the Kitwave Group, we are committed to providing outstanding service to our customers via our efficient and reliable supply chain.
The Role
As Head of Trading you will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of both the Purchasing and Selling functions, including the Telesales department. This role plays a critical part in delivering the business strategy by strengthening relationships with customers and suppliers, driving commercial performance, and identifying new business opportunities. You will have full oversight of operational, financial, and service performance across both functions, ensuring commercial growth, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. A key focus of the role is to drive value creation through supplier partnerships, market insight, and cross-functional collaboration, while leading a high-performing team to deliver sustainable business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Performance & Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute comprehensive account strategies across the sales and telesales functions.
- Drive incremental value from supplier relationships through joint business plans and commercial negotiations.
- Identify and deliver Route to Market consolidation opportunities with existing and new suppliers.
- Provide monthly performance updates to the Managing Director, including key projects, risks, and growth opportunities.
- Lead the strategic direction of purchasing and sales activities in line with business objectives.
- Build, develop, and maintain strong long-term relationships with key customers and suppliers.
- Act as a senior escalation point for strategic partner relationships.
- Develop internal and external stakeholder networks to support commercial delivery.
- Ensure consistent engagement with key partners to maximise value and service outcomes.
- Business Development & Value Creation
- Identify and convert new business opportunities through market scanning and relationship development.
- Leverage existing partnerships to deliver range extensions, sourcing solutions, and added-value services.
- Explore synergies across the wider business group to unlock additional revenue streams.
- Drive innovation in commercial offerings to support business growth.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, and other internal teams to deliver commercial objectives.
- Lead cross-functional project teams to support onboarding and embedding of new business.
- Ensure seamless execution of customer and supplier initiatives across departments.
- Align operational capability with commercial strategy and growth plans.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, manage, and develop the Purchasing and Supply Chain Manager, Business Development Managers, and Telesales Manager.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and development support.
- Foster a high-performance, accountable, and commercially driven culture.
- Ensure clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans are in place across the team.
- Monitor and report on commercial performance, risks, and opportunities.
- Ensure effective use of systems and data to drive decision-making.
- Identify and implement process improvements across purchasing and sales functions.
- Support wider business improvement initiatives and strategic projects.
What We’re Looking For
- Lead and develop high-performing purchasing, sales, and telesales teams.
- Drive commercial growth through supplier negotiation, customer development, and new business acquisition.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Analyse market trends and identify opportunities for business expansion.
- Deliver against financial, operational, and service performance targets.
- Collaborate effectively across functions to achieve business objectives.
- Use data and insight to drive commercial decisions and performance improvement.
- Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, commercial environment.
- Demonstrate strong negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
- Apply a strategic mindset with a focus on value creation and risk management.
Why Join Central Supplies?
- Part of an established national business (Kitwave Group)
- Opportunities for training and career progression
- Employee assistance programme
- Death in service package
If you are a proactive commercial leader with a strong track record in trading, supplier and customer relationship management, and driving profitable growth, and you take pride in developing high-performing teams and delivering outstanding commercial results, we would love to hear from you!
Head of Trading - CS Ltd in Halesowen employer: Central Supplies (Brierley Hill) Limited
Central Supplies is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership and commercial growth are at the forefront. With a commitment to employee development, opportunities for career progression, and a supportive culture fostered by the Kitwave Group, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to a high-performing team. Located near Birmingham, our purpose-built facility enhances operational efficiency, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the trading sector.
Contact Details:
Central Supplies (Brierley Hill) Limited Recruitment Team
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