At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape retail trading performance across a dynamic multi-site environment.
- Company: Join the UK's leading independent forecourt operator with a progressive retail reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a significant salary, competitive bonus, company car, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Work closely with the MD and board to influence business strategy and decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on retail strategy and drive growth in a fast-paced industry.
- Qualifications: Proven senior trading leadership experience in convenience retail or multi-site environments.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
The Business Motor Fuel Group is the UK’s leading independent forecourt operator, with a nationwide network of 1,200+ sites and a growing reputation as one of the most progressive convenience retail businesses in the market. Operating across fuel, convenience retail, food-to-go, EV charging and roadside services, MFG continues to invest heavily in its retail proposition, customer experience and non-fuel growth strategy.
As part of its continued growth journey, MFG is now looking to appoint a commercially driven Trading Director to lead and shape the future of its retail trading function.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Managing Director - Business Development, the Trading Director will lead the Trading, Pricing, Promotions, Category and Format teams, with full accountability for retail trading performance across the UK estate. This is a high-impact executive role focused on driving sales, margin and customer proposition across a fast-paced multi-site retail environment. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with strong trading execution, helping evolve MFG’s retail offer within an increasingly competitive convenience and forecourt market.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of the retail trading function across the estate with complete autonomy to shape commercial direction.
- Conduct a full forensic review of the existing trading operation, identifying opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency and commercial performance.
- Lead supplier, wholesaler and partner negotiations, challenging existing agreements and identifying stronger commercial opportunities.
- Drive improvements across pricing, ranging, promotions and overall retail proposition.
- Make decisive commercial recommendations around supplier strategy, trading structure and retail performance initiatives.
- Build and execute a clear trading roadmap aligned to EBITDA and long-term retail growth objectives.
- Work closely with the MD and board to influence wider business strategy and commercial decision-making.
- Lead and develop high-performing trading and commercial teams across the retail business.
- Utilise market insight, competitor analysis and customer behaviour data to drive trading decisions and commercial opportunities.
- Identify new revenue and growth opportunities across convenience retail, food-to-go, EV and evolving customer missions.
Candidate Profile
We are looking to speak with commercially driven retail leaders who bring:
- Significant senior trading leadership experience within convenience retail, forecourt, Wholesale or wider multi-site retail environments.
- A proven track record of improving commercial performance, margin and profitability within fast-paced consumer businesses.
- Deep experience leading supplier negotiations, wholesaler relationships and complex commercial agreements.
- Strong knowledge of pricing, ranging, category strategy and promotional mechanics within convenience retail.
- The ability to challenge existing trading models and confidently make difficult commercial decisions.
- A highly analytical, commercially aggressive and performance-driven mindset.
- Strong leadership capability with experience building credibility across board-level and operational stakeholders.
- The gravitas, resilience and commercial judgement to operate with high levels of autonomy and accountability.
What's on offer
- Significant six-figure base salary.
- Competitive Bonus.
- Company car or car allowance.
- Pension is matching 6% base salary.
- Life insurance 2 x base salary.
- 25 days holiday.
- Private medical insurance for employee + partner/family.
Category Director employer: Motor Fuel Group
The Business Motor Fuel Group (MFG) stands out as an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in St Albans that fosters innovation and growth within the convenience retail sector. With a commitment to employee development, competitive compensation packages, and a culture that values strategic thinking and collaboration, MFG empowers its team members to drive impactful change across its extensive network of retail sites. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that prioritises both professional advancement and a rewarding workplace experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their trading strategies and recent developments. We want you to walk in with confidence and show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Trading Director. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to help you every step of the way in landing that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trading Director role. Highlight your experience in retail trading, supplier negotiations, and any achievements that showcase your ability to drive sales and profitability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to express your passion for retail and how your strategic thinking aligns with MFG's goals. Don't forget to mention specific examples from your past!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Trading Director, strong leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in building high-performing teams and how you've influenced business strategy in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily track its progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Motor Fuel Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trading Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance metrics. Brush up on your knowledge of sales figures, margin percentages, and profitability trends in the convenience retail sector. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive trading decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiating with suppliers and wholesalers is a big part of this role. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, focusing on the strategies you employed and the outcomes achieved. This will show your potential employer that you can handle complex commercial agreements effectively.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the convenience retail and forecourt market. Be prepared to discuss competitors, emerging customer behaviours, and how these insights can inform MFG's trading strategy. This shows that you're not just reactive but proactive in your approach.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Think of specific instances where you've built high-performing teams or influenced board-level decisions. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop talent, as well as how you've navigated challenges in a fast-paced environment.
