At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape retail trading strategies to drive sales and profitability.
- Company: Motor Fuel Group, the UK's top independent forecourt operator.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, competitive bonus, company car, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and commercial success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced retail environment with significant growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 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.
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 in St Albans employer: Motor Fuel Group
Motor Fuel Group is 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 salaries, and comprehensive benefits including a generous pension scheme and private medical insurance, MFG empowers its team to drive impactful change across its extensive network of forecourt sites. Join a forward-thinking company that values strategic leadership and offers the autonomy to shape the future of retail trading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Director in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and trading sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MFG and its competitors. Understand their trading strategies and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in improving commercial performance and leading teams. Make sure you can confidently share examples of your past successes that align with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Director in St Albans
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 explain how your strategic thinking and leadership skills align with MFG's goals and how you can contribute to their growth.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, include examples of how you've used data to make trading decisions or improve commercial performance in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 decisions in 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 shape 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 others, as well as how you've navigated challenges in a fast-paced environment.
