Trading Controller - Trading Foodservice

Trading Controller – Produce

Attractive Salary, Benefits, Car Allowance and Bonus

36.5 Hour week (Hybrid)

Newtownabbey

Who are we?

At Henderson Group, we are proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,500 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024.

We're a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live. Our leaders care about employees and our employees succeed together and celebrate the success of others. We are interested in your aspirations, interests and skills and we strive to support and inspire you to do well.

A look into the role

Henderson Food Service is the leading supplier to the food service industry in Ireland. We source and supply a range of thousands of products to customers including hotels, restaurants, and public sector organisations such as hospitals and offices.

Following another year of record growth, our team continue to exceed targets and deliver sales across N.I. and R.O.I  last year. Our team will offer you a positive and supportive environment to enjoy success within our market leading brand.

We achieved Platinum accreditation against the Investors in People standard framework in 2020 in recognition of people management excellence and our commitment to investment in people.

The Purpose of the role:

Our successful candidate will have management responsibility for trading performance across a number of set categories, ensuring a market, sales and profit focus is developed, communicated and executed.

As Trading Controller, you will define product portfolio and service levels which will deliver a market leading offer to meet the customer needs while improving overall profitability.

This position will be suited to a candidate who has a proven track record in a trading or category management related function.

Working as Trading Controller you will:

• Lead supplier negotiations, range control, promotions and margin in line with the company strategy
• Identify potential for supplier development to enhance sales
• Provide accountability for financial performance of procurement activities and deadlines for set categories
• Review strategic and commercial planning process using relevant trading data
• Provide expert insight representing Trading on key strategic projects
• Develop relevant relationships/partnerships with partners to define product portfolio and service levels, ensuring we meet customer needs while improving overall profitability
• Lead Management of price structures, discounts, rebates, special offers and promotional activity
• Manage all supplier negotiations, ensuring all income forecasts are monitored and corrective action implemented to meet business targets in conjunction with the Financial trading team
• Maintaining regular professional and productive communication with all suppliers and replenishment/logistic teams to ensure that the total supply chain operates as efficiently and effectively as possible
• Provide clear leadership and direction for the team aligned against company strategy
• Develop a culture of continuous performance improvement by involving departmental staff in review and feedback sessions where creative solutions can be generated.
• Translate business objectives into specific goals to help others clearly understand the contribution that they can make to the development of the business       

Skills for Success

Joining us as Trading Controller the minimum criteria you’ll need is:

• GCSE English and Math’s (or equivalent qualifications)
• A minimum of 3 years’ trading experience within a Foodservice or FMCG environment
• Proven experience in purchasing / buying
• Strong background in Category management within FMCG
• Experience using ERP systems and stock replenishment tools
• Demonstrable expertise in supplier management
• Experience in developing and managing budgets
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications 
• Full, Valid UK/EU driving license with access to your own vehicle

The Attributes you’ll need include:

• A confident negotiator with strong conflict resolution skills
• Commercially aware, with sound financial acumen
• Able to communicate effectively and build credibility with a wide range of stakeholders
• A capable leader who can inspire and influence others
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently
• Proactive, with strong problem-solving skills and a high level of initiative 

It is Desirable if you have:

• A degree or professional qualification in a relevant discipline
• Experience in the procurement of fresh produce (fruit and vegetables)

Are we right for you?

As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.

Ambition – We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.

Customer First – We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.

Teamwork – We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.

Integrity – We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.

The Reward

The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners.

You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve.  And we will be here to celebrate your success.

Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment.  We value employee development and heavily invest in our people.

Benefits include market competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Reward Gateway Employee Recognition & Discount Scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.

This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 09:00am-05:00pm Monday to Thursday and 09:00am-04:00pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.

If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer - email joanne.mcclelland@henderson-group.com to get in touch.

*Applicants should note that we reserve the right to apply the desirable criteria if required at shortlisting stage

Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Tuesday 5th May 2026

We are an equal opportunities employer.