Job Description

About the role

Booker Group is recruiting for a Head of Trade for Produce, in this role you will manage a strategic, high-profile Category with full end to end accountability for the delivery of Sales, customer and Profit targets.


You will be part of the Senior team with day to day responsibility for Direct Reports and a total broader Team of Category Managers, Assistant Buyers and Category Assistant's. This role covers a Complex supply base with multiple need states. This area has very strong strategic projects attached to both Retail and Catering (eg Supply Chain transformation) requiring cross-functional stakeholder engagement and Leadership.


You will be responsible for

Annual negotiations with suppliers to ensure competitive terms year on year and coaching team where appropriate

Development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of key metrics for Catering and Retail Delivery of Cash Profit and Customer Satisfaction targets for the area Delivery of best-in-class inbound Supplier Service Level for DCs and Branch Development of Strategic Plans for the area and working Cross-functionally to deliver these Leadership of the category team, managing performance, encouraging team development (PDPs JDIs) and supporting Booker through EVM in 'Making Everyone Welcome' and A Place to Get On'. Growth of Own Brand business, sourcing and innovating as appropriate to grow sales and margins Ensuring Range is properly distributed throughout the Catering and Retail estates to max the mix and deliver the principles of good, better, best Working as part of the senior team to identify opportunities and develop or improve ways of working Working with Finance to land robust and reliable forecasts for relevant Categories Looking for opportunities to lower Booker's impact on the Planet Following our Business Code of Conduct and always acting with integrity and due diligence championing diversity, ethical thinking and inclusion Ensuring all negotiations are conducted under relevant GSCOP guidelines Deputising for the Director of Trading when appropriate, cascading information as appropriate. Championing inclusion and diversity ensuring everyone is welcome at Booker

You will need
Experience of Category Management in Produce Compliant with all Legal, regulatory and ethical requirements. In depth Supply Chain knowledge Exceptional communication & stakeholder engagement and management Clear understanding of Branch and Network processes Clear understanding of Multi-Site customers and communicating with Top 10% customers Understanding building new markets with the next 90% Strategic and analytical approach Strong change leadership, problem solving and decision making Market Knowledge of relevant markets and market developments Ability to flex work approach Educated to degree level Skilled Negotiator Experience of Supplier Management is critical due to facing into challenging FMCG Brands. Experience of End 2 End Supply Base Reviews Experience of building Buy for Less and Save to Invest Plans Understanding of Group Buying to interface with all Group Stakeholders Strong Leadership skills to drive talent, succession, PDPs, JDI development and EVM Plans Experience of delivering innovation Extensive experience in working in FMG developing and managing customer marketing campaigns Experience heading up a buying team Have a proven record of working autonomously

About The Company

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK.


Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we're a place where Everyone's Welcome.


We know life looks a little different for each of us. That's why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.

We're proud that Booker is a

Disability Confident Committed

employer and we're committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please contact

recruitment@bookergroup.com

Please note
We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.
On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.
Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco
For more information about us please visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk
What's in it for you

At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:

A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year. After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases. 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year. Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply. Free eye test when you spend 50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend 50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses. 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy. Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme. After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount. Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution. Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family. * A great holiday package