Description
We are seeking a Trading Manager to lead our International Meal Solutions category at Asda. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a diverse and growing portfolio that brings global flavours and convenient meal occasions to millions of customers across the UK.
As the Trading Manager, you will have full accountability for category performance, leading the development and execution of commercial strategies that drive sales, profitability, and market share. You will work closely with branded and own-label suppliers to identify emerging trends, develop compelling customer propositions, and ensure Asda remains competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.
Responsibilities
- Own the end-to-end trading performance of the International Meal Solutions category, delivering sales, profit, and market share growth.
- Develop and execute category strategies that respond to evolving customer tastes, food trends, and market opportunities.
- Lead negotiations with key suppliers to secure the best outcomes across pricing, promotions, innovation, range development, and investment.
- Build strong supplier partnerships and deliver joint business plans that drive sustainable growth.
- Manage category P&L performance and make data-led decisions to optimise commercial outcomes.
- Identify opportunities to grow participation in international cuisines, meal occasions, and convenience-led solutions.
- Lead category reviews, product launches, promotional plans, and range optimisation initiatives.
- Analyse customer, market, and competitor insights to identify growth opportunities and emerging trends.
- Collaborate with Product Development, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, Retail Operations, and Technical teams to successfully deliver category plans.
- Drive cost-to-serve and efficiency initiatives while maintaining a compelling customer offer.
- Champion innovation and ensure Asda remains at the forefront of international food trends.
Requirements
- Significant experience in a Trading, Buying, Category Management, or Commercial role within retail or FMCG.
- Proven success delivering category growth, supplier negotiations, and strong commercial performance.
- Strong understanding of P&L management, pricing strategy, and category economics.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills with a track record of building successful supplier relationships.
- A passion for food, consumer trends, and bringing innovative products to market.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into actionable commercial strategies.
- Outstanding stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across multiple functions.
- A customer-first mindset, balancing commercial delivery with customer needs and value.
- Resilience, curiosity, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving retail environment.
Benefits
- Discretionary company bonus
- Company pension up to 7% matched
- Company Car allowance of £5,700
- 15% colleague discount in store and online
- Free access to wellbeing services such as Stream, 24/7 virtual GP, counselling, health and dental cash plans and a 24/7 employee assistance helpline, alongside discounts across a range of services and activities
- Asda Allies Inclusion Networks – helping colleagues to make sure everybody is included and that our differences are recognised and celebrated
- Excellent parental leave policies, including maternity & adoption leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave, and support for those doing fertility treatments