Head of Trading - Wholesale

Head of Trading: A Strategic Leadership Opportunity in a Growing Wholesale Environment

Co-op Wholesale is embarking on a significant growth phase, presenting an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Head of Trading to spearhead their newly formed Trading team. This role is a pivotal position, focusing on the Fresh category, and offers a chance to shape strategy, drive profitability, and make a tangible impact on the business's future.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: As Head of Trading, you will be instrumental in defining and executing the strategy for the Fresh category. This includes setting direction, developing trade platforms, and driving growth. It's a chance to leave your mark on a core part of Co-op's wholesale offering.
• Leadership and Development: You will lead, coach, and develop a team of Senior Category Managers, fostering a culture of high performance and inclusivity. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your leadership skills and build a thriving team environment.
• Financial Accountability: Owning the P&L performance across all channels means you'll have significant responsibility and the autonomy to make data-driven decisions that directly impact the business's growth and profitability.
• Innovation and Opportunity: The role encourages the use of data and market insight to identify trends, manage risks, and uncover opportunities. This includes optimizing pack strategies and promotional activities, allowing for creative problem-solving.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You'll work closely with key departments such as supply chain, finance, and operations, providing invaluable experience in end-to-end business management and building a holistic understanding of the wholesale ecosystem.
• Supplier Relationships: Building and nurturing strong senior supplier relationships is a key aspect of this role, offering the chance to create mutual value and enhance the Co-op's market position.
• Competitive Remuneration and Benefits: The position offers a strong salary package of up to £120,000, complemented by a generous benefits suite that includes a company car or allowance, private healthcare, an annual bonus, ample holiday, excellent pension contributions, and significant discounts on Co-op products.
• Purpose-Driven Organization: Co-op is a member-owned organization with a strong commitment to its people and communities. Joining means becoming part of a movement that prioritizes doing right by its members and colleagues.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Hybrid Working Model: The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a balance of time spent across Manchester and Scunthorpe offices, with a minimum of one day per week in Scunthorpe. Candidates should be comfortable with this blended approach to work.
• Fresh Category Expertise: While prior Head of Trading experience in a retail environment is essential, a deep understanding and passion for the Fresh category will be crucial for success in defining and delivering category plans.
• Senior Stakeholder Management: The ability to influence, challenge, and build strong relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers at a senior level is paramount.
• Adaptability and Growth Mindset: As Co-op Wholesale is in a period of significant change and growth, candidates who are adaptable, open to new ways of working, and possess a proactive growth mindset will be best positioned to thrive.
• Career Progression: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within Co-op Wholesale. Leading a key category and contributing to strategic direction provides a strong foundation for future leadership opportunities within the organization.

This Head of Trading position represents a compelling opportunity for an ambitious leader to drive significant change and growth within Co-op Wholesale. If you possess strong commercial acumen, a passion for the Fresh category, and a desire to lead in a purpose-driven environment, this role is well worth exploring for your career advancement.