Trading Manager, Waitrose Commercial

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. And that starts with our amazing team of Partners (that’s what we call our employees). Our Partners drive our purpose, and guide us in our ambition to make a positive impact on the world around us. Waitrose’s intention is to combine the convenience of a supermarket, driving the full Grocery & Non Food shop, with the expertise and service of a specialist food shop.

Add this to our unswerving dedication to our customers, the highest respect for our suppliers 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 (CPG) as part of 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), fostering strong relationships with both 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’ll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst 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 person 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.
• Working cross-functionally, you will collaborate 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.
• Leading a team of Buyers, you inspire high standards of delivery through role modelling and coaching, helping the team to prioritise within a fast paced, changing environment.
• Collaborating with the Own Brand team you’ll be an advocate for product quality, taste and market leading innovation, guiding the team through the Innovation Stage Gate process and in planning key seasonal Events to achieve commercial success.
• You will build relationships and collaborate 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.
• You apply a rigorous and diligent approach to overseeing key cross‑functional processes to achieve deadlines including reporting on Trading performance, planning Secondary Space and Forecasting.
• You 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 you will feed into the 3‑5 year vision for the CPG and deputise for the Head of CPG within key work streams when necessary.
• At all times you will have a close eye on the competitor and industry landscape.
• As a co‑owner you’ll role model the Partnership Behaviours and strive to make the world a better place through your impact.
• This role has extensive exposure across the business which provides excellent opportunity for career growth and scope for future progression.

• Commercial experience ideally at Trading…