At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape retail trading strategies to drive sales and profitability.
- Company: Join the UK's leading independent forecourt operator with a progressive retail reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a six-figure salary, competitive bonus, company car, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Collaborate with top executives and develop high-performing teams for future success.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced retail environment with autonomy and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior trading leadership within 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 in Watford 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 retail sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive compensation packages, and a culture that values collaboration and strategic thinking, MFG empowers its team to drive meaningful change in the convenience retail market. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that prioritises both professional advancement and a rewarding work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Director in Watford
✨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!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their trading strategies, recent developments, and market position. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in shaping their retail future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the trading function and how you can drive sales and profitability. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your capabilities and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the team at MFG.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Director in Watford
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 express your passion for retail and how your strategic thinking aligns with MFG's goals. Don't forget to mention specific examples of your past successes!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Trading Director, strong leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in building and leading high-performing teams. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to influence and drive results across various stakeholders.
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. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
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 inform 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. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as well as how you've navigated challenges in a fast-paced environment.
