Trading Manager

Our Purpose

Working in Partnership for a happier world – our shared Purpose that guides us in everything we do and inspires 3 important principles; happier people, happier business, happier world. The John Lewis Partnership is a truly unique business, one that seeks to make a positive difference to the lives of everyone.

At a glance

Waitrose & Partners prides itself on being different. Our intention is to combine the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist food shop. Add this to our unswerving dedication to our customers and the highest respect for our suppliers (the provenance and traceability of our food is vital) and, of course, the environment and you can start to see we’re a bit more than ‘just’ a supermarket.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our fantastic Buying team as a Trading Manager, reporting into the Head of Category Proposition Group. 

The Trading Manager holds overall responsibility for the commercial performance of the categories within their remit (Category Groups). By leading and working collaboratively with the wider team of stakeholders operating within their areas of responsibility, the Trading Manager is responsible for the delivery of shared KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). As a leader of buying teams you will inspire success through effective role modelling, training and coaching to deliver successful matrix working, supporting negotiations and escalations. Trading Managers support dotted line reporting for other functions where required and will deputise for the Head of Category Trading within key work streams, when necessary to enable teams to deliver their category plans.

> Salary - the range for this role is set at £65,000-£98,000
> Contract type - Permanent
> Interviews - in person Bracknell campus w/c 13th May 

We know flexible working is important to you, and it is important to us too. The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between our Bracknell office (likely 3 days per week) and home based upon your personal needs, whilst balancing the needs of the business. There will also be an expectation to visit other locations/suppliers as the need arises.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you will;

• Build the annual Category Group Plan and supporting Category Plans taking direction from the wider Business and Category Proposition Plan, trade planning, supplier brand plans, category data and customer insight. Your Category Group Plans to include your Trade/Promotional Plans.

• Deliver your Category Group Plan with your team of buyers and other stakeholders, managing performance against targets and adjusting activity accordingly.

• Provide accurate forecasts and cost options for change through the Trading year.

• Deliver sales targets and profit through plans

• Own the supplier strategy and selection supporting delivery of CSR and brand objectives 

• Own the commercial relationships between Waitrose and suppliers 

• Ensure the correct master range assortment is in place 

• Day to day management of the assortment 

• Negotiate with suppliers to increase margin delivery in line with CSR policies

• Operate in line with GSCoP (Grocery Code of Practice), Competition Law and Anti-Bribery

• Be responsible for the culture and happiness of Partners in your team and the wider team.

This role would suit someone who is self motivated, with an ability to influence internal stakeholders and inspire our suppliers to invest in Waitrose. Ideal for a confident, assertive person, with good communication and numerical skills - able to inspire, coach and train other buyers both inside and outside their team. The ability to work within a matrix management structure, with the confidence to cross the boundaries of hard line reporting is crucial. Creativity and a passion for products are also desirable.

This is a people manager role with 6 direct reports (Buyers).

What you'll have?

• Commercial experience ideally at Trading Manager level, or Buyer level or equivalent with a record of delivering strong results. 

• Experience in people management, coaching and mentoring

• Experience in creating and delivering strategic plans and budget forecasts

• Experience in significant commercial negotiations

What else could you bring?

• A proven leader of cross functional teams

• Stakeholder management experience across multiple levels

• Knowledge of negotiating skills such as GAP approach

• Systems use (e.g. in Waitrose these include BOBI, PIC, PWC)

• Knowledge of Compliance (GSCOP, Competitive Law etc)

• Worked in other directorates at equivalent level of commercial experience/ exposure.

Benefits of the Partnership and the role: 

• 🏖️ - Full - time working holiday entitlement 25 days holiday, plus public and bank holidays

• ⚖ - Excellent work life balance, including focus on well being and flexible working and our marketing leading equal parenthood leave Policy

• 🐷 - Defined Contribution pension scheme where your contributions will be matched by the Partnership (up to 8% of pay) and, after three years’ service, you’ll receive an additional Partnership contribution of 4% of pay, regardless of whether you pay in or not

• 🤑 - You’ll get Partnership discount in store and online once you complete Probation. That’s 25% off in John Lewis & Partners (12% off electrical products) and 20% in Waitrose & Partners. You’ll also be able to nominate someone you live with to share your discount

• 🚴 -  Simple cycle to work support scheme

• 🏰 - We’re really proud of our exclusive hotels based in some of Britain’s most beautiful areas and once you’ve been with us for three months, you’re welcome to explore them

• 🌱 -  Learn more about our extensive range of exciting benefits that you could enjoy when you join us, visit - https://www.jlpjobs.com/about/benefits/ 

Next Steps 

• The application form consists of a CV upload followed by application questions. Please ensure you refresh the page each time you complete a task to ensure you complete everything that you need to in time. (If internal, check your Workday notifications and see further guidance on the PDW under "Internal application process").

• Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a 1 stage interview process. 

• You'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you. 

• We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we recommend you apply early. 

Thanks for your patience in the meantime and for showing an interest in joining JLP. 

External candidates please see the job outline attached to this vacancy for further details. 

Internal Partners, please see here: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uR8ShHglPE3oWuvLqU7CqAKYS5ca_2qF/view?usp=sharing

For internal use only:

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