Trading Manager Company: Phoenix 2 Retail Location: Peterlee – Hybrid/remote considered Job Type: Full-time About Phoenix 2 Retail Phoenix 2 Retail is the leading wholesaler specializing in vaping and nicotine products, providing innovative route-to-market solutions for global brands. Our mission is to become the world’s leading supplier of smoking alternatives, built on the pillars of responsibility, innovation, education, and sustainability, to create a better future for retailers and consumers alike. Our Values Our ‘’I CARE’’ values encapsulate a holistic approach to our culture, emphasising positive influence, unwavering commitment, individual and collective accountability, ethical responsibility, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This acronym serves as a memorable representation of the company’s core values, guiding actions and decisions of its employees. Role Overview We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Trading Manager to join our team. In this role, you will take ownership of sourcing products, managing supplier relationships, and driving profitability while aligning with the company’s growth objectives. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in buying or procurement who is ready to step into a broader trading management role. Key Responsibilities Buying and Sourcing: Identify and source new products within the vaping and smoking alternatives category to expand the company’s portfolio while keeping range within current market trends. Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and reliable delivery schedules. Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers. Onboard and manage new suppliers, ensuring compliance with company standards and policies. Resolve supplier issues, such as delivery delays, quality concerns, or pricing discrepancies, in a timely manner. Manage ongoing rebates, ensuring invoices are raised through finance. Category and Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research to stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences. Analyse sales performance, product profitability, and stock movement to make data-driven decisions. Identify opportunities for growth and improvement in the product portfolio. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure the successful execution of product launches, promotions, and category strategies. Provide input into promotional plans and pricing strategies to maximise sales and profitability. Support the development of marketing materials aligned with product and category strategies. Administrative and Strategic Support: Maintain accurate product and supplier data in company systems. Prepare reports and presentations on trading performance for senior leadership. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures in all trading activities. Qualifications: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in buying, trading, or procurement (preferably within FMCG or retail). Strong negotiation, organisational, and analytical skills, with exceptional attention to detail. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel; familiarity with CRM/ERP systems is a plus. What We Offer: Competitive salary of up to £45,000 (DOE) Quarterly Bonus Scheme £40 Monthly Wellbeing Payment ⛱ 24 Days Annual Leave Bank Holidays Extra Paid Day Off For Your Birthday Employee Assistance Programme Salary Sacrifice Scheme 5% Employer Pension Contribution Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Phoenix 2 Retail is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an environment where all employees feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, contributing to our shared success.