At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape retail trading strategies for a leading convenience retailer.
- 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 growth and innovation in the retail sector.
- Why this job: Drive impactful change in a fast-paced retail environment with significant autonomy.
- 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. 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, grocery 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.
Trading 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 strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits including a generous pension scheme and private medical insurance, MFG empowers its team to drive impactful change in a fast-paced industry. Join us to be part of 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 Trading 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, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Trading Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MFG and its competitors. Understand their trading strategies and be ready to discuss how you can improve their commercial performance. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can drive their retail proposition forward.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to convey your experience in leading trading teams and improving profitability clearly and confidently. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and ensure you highlight your analytical mindset and leadership skills.
✨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. Let’s make your dream job a reality!
We think you need these skills to ace Trading 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 relevant 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 demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments. Don't forget to mention your passion for the retail sector!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a highly analytical mindset, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive trading decisions. Whether it's market insights or competitor analysis, we want to see your thought process in action.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your 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 retail sector. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these metrics 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 used and the outcomes achieved. This will show your potential employer that you can drive better commercial opportunities.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in convenience retail and forecourt operations. Be prepared to discuss competitors and market insights that could impact MFG's trading strategy. This shows 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. Share these stories to illustrate your ability to lead and develop teams effectively.
