At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and profit targets while leading a dynamic team of buyers.
- Company: Join Waitrose & Partners, a leader in fresh food retail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product categories and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75800 - 121000 £ per year.
About the Role
Waitrose & Partners is looking for a Trading Manager to join the Fresh Buying team and report to the Head of Category Proposition Group (CPG). The role is senior, responsible for the commercial performance of product categories, driving sales and profit targets across all channels, and leading a team of 5‑7 buyers. It involves fostering relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, delivering category plans, and ensuring a strong customer focus in all initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the commercial performance of assigned category groups, delivering sales and profit targets.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to optimise and execute the annual trading plan across retail, online, B2B and other channels.
- Lead, coach and develop a team of 5‑7 Buyers, setting high standards and prioritising in a fast‑paced environment.
- Advocate for product quality, taste and innovation with the Own Brand team, guiding the Innovation Stage Gate process and seasonal planning.
- Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiating and influencing to secure favourable outcomes.
- Oversee cross‑functional processes, including reporting, secondary space planning and forecasting, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Use data and insight to inform decisions, supporting continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the 3‑5 year vision for CPG and deputise for the Head of CPG as needed.
- Monitor competitor and industry landscape to inform strategy.
- Model the Partnership Behaviours and pursue sustainable impact.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Commercial experience at Trading Manager level or equivalent, with a proven track record of delivering strong results.
- Experience leading category transformation or reset initiatives with pace and collaboration.
- People management and coaching experience.
- Strategic planning and budget forecasting skills.
- Commercial negotiation experience.
- Cross‑functional stakeholder management across multiple levels.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Knowledge of GAP negotiation approach.
- Proficiency with trade and analytics systems (Tableau, Anaplan, NielsenIQ).
- Understanding of compliance frameworks (GSCOP, Competitive Law).
- Experience in related functions such as Category Management, Supply Operations or Commercial Finance.
Employment Details
- Salary: £75,800 – £121,000 per annum
- Contract type: Permanent
- Working pattern: Hybrid – 3 days face‑to‑face at the office per week, remaining days remote
- Location: Bracknell Head Office – Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA
Trading Manager- Fresh in Bracknell employer: John Lewis plc
Waitrose & Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bracknell that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee development, the company provides ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the Fresh Buying team, while promoting a culture of quality and sustainability. Employees enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Manager- Fresh in Bracknell
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like John Lewis plc, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like John Lewis plc!
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Manager- Fresh in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at John Lewis plc, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at John Lewis plc and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show John Lewis plc that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
