Trading Manager, Waitrose Commercial

Overview

About the role At Waitrose as part of the John Lewis Partnership, we’re not just about business; we’re about building a happier world for everyone. Our Partners drive our purpose, and guide us in our ambition to make a positive impact on the world around us. Waitrose combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist food shop, with a focus on customers, suppliers, and the environment.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Buying team as a Trading Manager, reporting into the Head of Category Proposition Group (CPG) within the Commercial function. The Trading Manager is responsible for the commercial performance of the product categories within their remit, driving sales and profit targets across all channels (stores and online) with a customer focus. This role involves leading and coaching a team of Buyers (approx.

7 Buyers), and fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., Own Brand, Merchandising Operations, Commercial Finance) and suppliers (Branded and Own brand) to successfully deliver category plans.

• Salary – £75,700.00 - £

• Contract type – This position is a Permanent opportunity

• Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you can work a mixture between the office and home based upon personal needs while balancing the needs of the business.

• The team aim for around 3 days a week in the office, visiting suppliers or in stores to connect as a team and with stakeholders.

• Location – This role is a hybrid role; home location is Bracknell

• Interview Dates – From 29/1/26 - 4/2/26. Interviews will be held in the Bracknell office.

• The Trading Manager is responsible for the commercial performance of categories within their remit (Category Groups), delivering KPIs including sales and profit targets.

• Work cross-functionally to optimise and deliver the annual trading plan across all channels (retail including convenience stores, online, B2B), putting the customer at the heart of decision making. Key teams to partner with include Merchandising Operations (Supply Chain), Commercial Finance, Commercial Management, Category Management, Value and Trade Planning, Space and Range and Own Brand.

• Lead a team of Buyers, inspiring high standards of delivery through role modelling and coaching, helping the team to prioritise within a fast paced, changing environment.

• Collaborate with the Own Brand team to advocate for product quality, taste and market leading innovation, guiding the team through the Innovation Stage Gate process and planning key seasonal events to achieve commercial success.

• Build relationships with key contacts within the Supply Base across Branded and Own Brand Suppliers, requiring excellent negotiation and influencing skills to achieve positive outcomes for Waitrose and our customers.

• Oversee key cross-functional processes to achieve deadlines including reporting on Trading performance, planning Secondary Space and Forecasting.

• Leverage multiple data points to inform decision making, applying data and insight capability with a continuous improvement mindset.

• As a senior member of the Trading Leadership team, contribute to the 3-5 year vision for the CPG and deputise for the Head of CPG within key work streams when necessary.

• Maintain awareness of the competitor and industry landscape.

• As a co-owner, role model the Partnership Behaviours and strive to make the world a better place through your impact.

• This role offers extensive exposure across the business and opportunities for career growth and progression.

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

• Experience in people management and coaching

• Experience in creating and delivering strategic plans and budget forecasts

• Experience in significant commercial negotiations

• Cross-functional stakeholder management across multiple levels

• Knowledge of negotiating skills such as GAP approach

• Proficient systems use (e.g. Tableau, Anaplan, Nielsen
  
  IQ)

• Knowledge of Compliance (GSCOP, Competitive Law,…