Trading Manager in Belfast

Join Musgrave: Where Innovation Meets Heritage, and People Drive Change

Our people are the heart of our business. As our greatest asset, they make Musgrave a great place to work and in return we aim to be the very best place to work, grow and thrive.

Musgrave is one of Europe’s most successful family‑owned businesses, with a rich 150‑year legacy in food and brand innovation. We’re proud to serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 18 iconic brands like SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave MarketPlace. By supporting thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses, we make a positive impact on the communities they serve. We’re committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland, and we’re looking for dynamic, forward‑thinking individuals to join us on this journey.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Trading Manager to join our Beer, Wine and Spirits (BWS) Trading Team, with a specific focus on Wine. This role will suit a commercially driven trading professional with a passion for wine, strong supplier relationships, and the ability to translate consumer insight and market trends into profitable, innovative ranges across our wholesale and retail partners.

Reporting into the BWS Category Manager, the Trading Manager partners closely with them to deliver category strategy and commercial performance. With end‑to‑end ownership of Wine and direct responsibility for the BWS Trading team, the position also requires flexibility and understanding to step into Beer and Spirits trading, range or supplier activity as required.

The Trading Team is responsible for sourcing the right products at the right price, analysing data and negotiating with suppliers to drive sales, margin and long‑term value for Musgrave and our customers. The team works closely with a range of internal stakeholders, including Marketing, Sales, Own Brand, Supply Chain and Operations to deliver a variety of ranges, competitive promotions and innovation aligned with emerging trends in the BWS category.

Category & Range Strategy

Own and deliver the Wine category strategy and product portfolio through the range management process, supporting the team with Beer and Spirits when required.

Develop ranges that reflect consumer trends, price architecture, provenance and quality expectations, while delivering sales and margin targets.

Continuously review and optimise ranges using market insight, consumer research, supplier innovation and retailer feedback.

Work cross‑functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Retail partners to ensure successful execution of category plans.

Develop seasonal and promotional supply plans to support peak trading and demand fluctuations.

Identify opportunities to drive loyalty and value through differentiated wine propositions.

Planning, Budgeting & Performance

Set annual Sales, Margin and Supplier Income targets by supplier and product group.

Prepare and deliver the annual Buying Plan, including income strategy, Own Brand and range review plans.

Lead regular performance and budget reviews with the Category Manager.

Own Brand Development – Wine & BWS

Identify Own Brand opportunities based on participation targets and market gaps.

Lead product development from concept to launch with cross‑functional teams.

Ensure Own Brand wines deliver quality, compliance and strong value‑for‑money.

Agree pricing structures to optimise revenue and margin and review performance post‑launch.

Negotiate purchase costs, trading terms and income in line with Musgrave policies.

Analyse supplier cost bases to achieve optimal commercial outcomes.

Balance pricing, promotions, discounts and investment to deliver a compelling value proposition.

Maximise Musgrave Group buying scale and deliver effective promotional strategies.

Set and manage wholesale and retail pricing to achieve margin targets.

Monitor competitor pricing and promotional activity to maintain competitiveness.

Ensure accurate price file maintenance and alignment to price basket targets.

Relationships & Execution

Build strong relationships with retailers through store visits, cluster meetings and forums.

Lead supplier Joint Business Plan reviews and track delivery of agreed objectives.

Partner with Supply Chain to monitor service levels and address issues proactively.

Lead and contribute to cross‑functional projects supporting category and strategic initiatives.

Manage timelines, resources, budgets, risks and post‑implementation reviews.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in a Buying or Trading role managing categories or portfolios
• Demonstrated experience in direct line management, providing clear leadership, coaching and direction to deliver individual and team performance
• Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering results in fast‑paced environments
• Ability to analyse data to inform range, pricing and promotional decisions with advanced Excel and reporting capability
• Excellent negotiation, numeracy and stakeholder management skills, with strong communication and influencing capability
• Organised, resilient and able to manage multiple priorities

Nice to Have

• WSET qualification (Level 2 or above preferred)
• Strong knowledge of wine regions, styles, suppliers and current consumer trends
• 3rd level qualification in Business related discipline
• Category Management experience within alcohol retail/wholesale
• Knowledge of the Irish and UK grocery and BWS market

Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.

Musgrave operates a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.