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- Tasks: Manage product ranges, develop strategies, and lead supplier negotiations to drive sales.
- Company: Thriving FMCG company with a multi-billion turnover and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, bonuses, fantastic perks, and strong career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative team while shaping the future of food retail.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in buying or trading, strong analytical skills, and excellent negotiation abilities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fantastic opportunity for a Trading Manager to join a thriving Food Retail Services / FMCG company. This company places immense value on their staff and is one of the best places for an individual to work in. This role will be based in Belfast - Dargan Crescent - Hybrid working role.
Salary: Negotiable + Bonus + Additional Fantastic Benefits and Perks & Progression Opportunities
The Role: An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Trading Manager to join a high-performing Trading team in Northern Ireland. This role offers the chance to take ownership of a product portfolio, shape range and pricing strategy, lead supplier negotiations and drive sales, margin and profitability across retail partners.
You will lead the development and delivery of an effective range and trading strategy for your assigned portfolio, grounded in consumer insight and commercial objectives. This is a hands-on, commercially focused role with significant influence across the business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and manage the product range and category plans for your portfolio
- Develop and implement range strategies aligned to brand, customer and profit targets
- Review and optimise ranges based on market trends, consumer insight and performance data
- Lead seasonal planning to meet demand fluctuations
- Develop annual sales, margin and supplier income targets and deliver against budget
- Prepare and manage buying and trading plans, including quarterly reviews
- Lead supplier negotiations on cost prices, terms, income and promotions
- Set and manage wholesale and retail pricing to deliver margin and value objectives
- Monitor competitor pricing and promotional activity to maintain market competitiveness
- Manage and develop Own Brand products from concept to launch, improving value and margin
- Build strong, long-term relationships with suppliers, retailers and internal stakeholders
- Lead and contribute to cross-functional projects to deliver category initiatives
- Track performance, manage risks and ensure effective execution of plans
The Person:
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a buying or trading role with category or portfolio responsibility
- Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment
- Highly analytical with strong data interpretation and Excel skills
- Confident negotiator with excellent numeracy and problem-solving ability
- Strong communicator and collaborator, comfortable working cross-functionally
- Well organised, resilient and able to meet targets under pressure
Desirable:
- Third level qualification in Business, Finance or a related discipline
- Category Management experience within food retail or wholesale
- Knowledge of the Irish and UK grocery market
- Previous people management experience
Why Apply?
- Permanent role with strong career development and progression opportunities
- Collaborative, high-performing team environment
- Opportunity to make a visible commercial impact
- Forward-thinking business with a strong focus on innovation and community
For further information on this opportunity, or any other position, please apply via the link below or contact Jack Groves via Vanrath in the strictest confidence.
Category Manager (Retail) in Belfast employer: VanRath
Contact Detail:
VanRath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (Retail) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and market position so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Trading Manager, you'll need to be confident in discussions with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager (Retail) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trading Manager role. Highlight your experience in buying or trading, especially if you've worked with food retail or FMCG. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can interpret data and turn it into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at VanRath
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to sales, margins, and pricing strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a big part of this role, so prepare examples of successful supplier negotiations you've led. Highlight your approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you're confident and capable.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the food retail and FMCG sectors, especially in the UK and Ireland. Being able to discuss market dynamics and competitor strategies will impress your interviewers and show that you're proactive.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Prepare to talk about how you've built strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders in the past. Share specific examples that highlight your communication and teamwork skills.
