Joining us as Senior Commercial & Supplier Relationship Manager, you’ll be responsible for the overall commercial performance of our retail categories and the strategic management of supplier relationships.

You’ll be negotiating commercial terms, foster strong partnership with key suppliers, as well as developing and delivering category plans based on data-driven insights.

You’ll play a pivotal role in maximising sales and margin whilst ensuring we deliver exceptional value and quality to our members and customers.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of category strategies – making sure that the needs of our Members and customers are met
• Negotiating with suppliers- to make sure we continue to deliver excellent value for money
• Identify new products which enhance the quality and ethical standards of our available ranges
• Review and optimise supplier agreements and commercial terms – to continually improve profitability and efficiency
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in category performance

As one of our Senior Leaders you will ensure the Commercial team’s goals are fully aligned with the wider business strategy and help communicate our co-operative values to suppliers.

You’ll also represent the Commercial function in Senior Leadership forums where you will provide strategic insights and contribute towards broader business initiatives.

Essential to this role will be your collaborative working relationships with internal stakeholders- ensuring a joined- up commercial approach.

We are looking for someone who can bring previous experience in a Senior Commercial, Category, or buying role within the retail sector.

You’ll have a proven track record in the development and implementation of commercial and category strategies, as well as extensive experience in leading and managing supplier relationships.

We’re looking for someone who can lead, motivate, encourage and develop a high-performing commercial team.

You’ll be experienced in using data and analytics to make informed strategic choices and measure performance.

You’ll demonstrate a strong understanding of P&L drivers, margin management, and the financial impact of commercial decisions.

Everyone is welcome here. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments so that all our candidates can show us how they’ll perform their role. There is a section in the application form where you can provide any additional information. Please use this section to include any reasonable adjustments you need, and we’ll do our best to support you through our recruitment process

What is in it for me?

In addition to our competitive salaries, our colleagues also benefit from:

Reward and Benefits

• Fantastic colleague discount - Reward ££’s and discounts across our Retail and Funeral businesses.
• Retail discounts- our hub offers colleagues access to hundreds of exclusive retail discounts, savings on days out and holiday discounts.
• Colleague Dividend- We pay a share of our profits to eligible colleagues as a thank you for their contribution to our success.
• Colleague recognition- we celebrate our colleague’s achievements both personally and professionally
• Personalised learning and development- with easy access to a wide range of training programmes
• Paid time for volunteering- we encourage our colleagues to spend three days per year taking part in volunteering, fully paid for by us.
• Enhanced family friendly policies- to help you feel fully supported during any significant life events.

Wellbeing

• Annual health check kit and virtual GP – Finger prick blood test kit, that is sent to Square Healthcare for your personal healthcare report, and access to a virtual GP 7 days a week 8am to 8pm for you and your family.
• Colleague assistance programme – to support you and your family when you need it the most.
• Healthcare Cashplan- your wellbeing is important, so you’ve got the opportunity to contribute into a voluntary plan that helps pay towards a range of healthcare expenses.
• Company sick pay – We offer company sick pay to colleagues so that you can focus on getting better and returning to work in full health.
• Life Assurance- after an initial qualifying period, you’ll get free life assurance cover, that pays your nominated beneficiary if you die while you’re working for us.
• We’ve got you – our colleague wellbeing campaign, making wellbeing benefits and resources accessible and relevant to the role that you do.
• Give as you earn- helping you support charities which mean something to you.

Financial Wellbeing

iTrent Financial Wellbeing (Wagestream)- offers something for all our colleagues, whether you want to track your finances, save some money, or access up to 50% of your earned pay flexibly in a way that suits you.

The Money Co-op – Free access to support all aspects of your financial wellbeing, such as savings and loans at competitive rates.

• Salary Sacrifice schemes:

- Electric Vehicle scheme – Option to purchase your EV through salary sacrifice

- Share Incentive Plan (SIP) – option to buy shares within the Society, where they will attract interest and £10 worth of matching shares.

- Cycle to Work scheme – Option to purchase your bicycle and accessories through salary sacrifice

- Holiday buy- colleagues can buy up to a week extra of annual leave each year

• Company Pension- you can access a company pension scheme with us as well as access to Pension wellbeing information.

• Nous – smart assistant that can save you money and time on managing your household bills.

To find out more about all of these plus many more reasons to join us at Central Co-op, please visit Rewards and benefits - Central Coop

We’re Central Co-op, a Member-owned and Member-led co-operative Society.

And with us, you’re not just a colleague, you’re a Member. You’ll own a share of the business.

You’ll be able to make a positive impact in your community, joining us in our mission to create a sustainable Society, and working alongside a team of passionate people who’ll help you grow. To find out more about working for us, visit our website Careers - Central Coop