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- Tasks: Drive supplier relationships and optimise product offerings in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join G.A.P. Convenience Distribution, a trusted supplier to convenience stores in the North West.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a loyalty award, free parking, subsidised canteen, and access to a company doctor.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team focused on growth, collaboration, and making an impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years in retail or wholesale buying with strong negotiation and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Access fully funded training and support from Grocery Aid for your wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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Buyer – G.A.P. Convenience Distribution, Preston
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Client:
James Hall & Co
Location:
Preston, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
5beb1fe5afec
Job Views:
5
Posted:
29.06.2025
Expiry Date:
13.08.2025
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Job Description:
Buyer – G.A.P. Convenience Distribution
G.A.P. Convenience Distribution Ltd. is best known as a trusted supplier to garage forecourts and convenience stores across the North West. Based from our purpose built warehouse and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston.
G.A.P. are an established business with enormous potential for growth across all of our divisions. We are dedicated to supplying all of our customers with the best products available and ensuring our colleagues feel part or the team, passionate and motivated in the work they do
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Trading Manager to join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in enhancing our supplier relationships and optimising our product offerings for our stores and wholesale business.
Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing
Responsible for driving value within the wholesale business through effective supplier relationships, strategic sourcing, and fast-paced negotiation. The role focuses on enhancing profitability, maintaining product quality, and supporting service level achievements through insightful market knowledge and robust commercial governance.
- Manage and maintain accurate product price files.
- Drive cost reductions without compromising product quality.
- Develop and implement competitive promotional and seasonal plans.
- Maximise sales revenue, profit margins, and supplier income.
- Meet and support service level targets across categories.
- Manage trading performance and product availability across multiple categories.
- Select, source, and exit product ranges effectively.
- Monitor retail trends, competitor actions, and evolving retailer needs.
- Work collaboratively with Trading colleagues to deliver cost efficiencies.
- Lead supplier negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and promotions.
- Build strong supplier relationships to unlock savings and strategic value.
- Forecast key promotions and liaise with suppliers and stock teams to optimise service levels.
- Conduct benchmarking and regular store visits to keep offers relevant.
- Ensure compliance with UKCA, UL, and EC legislation.
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of wholesale, supplier, market, and product trends.
- Apply buying expertise and negotiation skills backed by regulatory awareness.
A Few Things About You
Bringing a minimum of three years\’ experience in retail or wholesale buying, the role requires a commercially focused individual with a proven track record in delivering results. Strong negotiation abilities, effective communication and analytical thinking are essential.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in retail, wholesale buying, or relevant commercial roles.
- Proven success in achieving financial targets and delivering results.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills with a proven ability to close deals.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Energetic, enthusiastic, and results driven.
- Thrives under pressure and meets tight deadlines.
- Strong analytical and sound decision-making abilities.
- Collaborative team player.
- Excellent written and verbal communication with all stakeholders.
- Builds strong internal and external relationships.
- Able to influence colleagues, customers, and suppliers across all levels.
Why us?
G.A.P. Convenience Distribution Ltd are proud to be part of the James Hall & Co. family of companies. As a result, below are just some of the benefits we are able to offer you.
Loyalty award –From day one you will receive £0.25p per hour for every hour you work. You will then receive this as a lump sum on the pay period after your 12 month anniversary.
Company Doctor – We care about the health and wellbeing of our people. That is why you will have access to our company doctor with the ability to book appointments directly.
Free On-site Parking– You don’t have to worry about paying for parking or getting from your car to work as our site boasts a secure car park for your use. We also support the ‘Cycle To Work’ scheme if you prefer a alternative form of transport.
Subsidised Canteen– We know how hard our people work so when hunger strikes, we have an excellent on-site canteen that offers a wide range of freshly cooked meals, salads, sandwiches and confectionary plus free tea and coffee
Learning & Development– We want all of our colleagues to reach their full potential. That is why you will benefit from our in-house learning and development team who will provide you access to fully funded accredited training and industry recognised qualifications.
Grocery Aid–We work with the national charity Grocery Aid to provide all colleagues a 24/7 helpline service that is free, independent and confidential. Grocery Aid also offer a wide range of other fantastic services to support you when you need it.
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Buyer - G.A.P. Convenience Distribution employer: James Hall & Co
Contact Detail:
James Hall & Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - G.A.P. Convenience Distribution
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in wholesale and retail buying. Understanding market dynamics and competitor actions will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews, showing that you're proactive and well-informed.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in supplier negotiations. Building relationships can provide you with insights and potentially valuable referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or driven cost reductions in previous roles. Being able to articulate your achievements will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research G.A.P. Convenience Distribution and their product offerings thoroughly. Tailoring your conversation to align with their business goals and values will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - G.A.P. Convenience Distribution
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail or wholesale buying. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any achievements related to financial targets, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific examples of how your past experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in supplier relationships and product management.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical thinking, include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to analyse market trends and make data-driven decisions. This could be through previous roles or projects.
Highlight Team Collaboration: The job emphasises collaboration with colleagues and suppliers. Make sure to mention any experiences where you successfully worked in a team environment, showcasing your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Hall & Co
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about G.A.P. Convenience Distribution and its role in the market. Understanding their values, products, and recent developments will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Given the emphasis on negotiation skills in this role, be ready to discuss past experiences where you've successfully negotiated deals. Think of specific examples that highlight your ability to drive value and maintain strong supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Analytical Skills
The job requires strong analytical thinking. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. You might want to bring examples of how you've analysed market trends or competitor actions.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
As a collaborative team player, it's important to convey your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or suppliers to achieve common goals, especially in high-pressure situations.