Trainee Buyer

Trainee Buyer (Trader) – Belfast – 2 Years Contract

Musgrave is one of Europe’s most successful family‑owned businesses, with a rich 150‑year legacy in food and brand innovation. We serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 18 iconic brands like Super Valu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave Market Place. By supporting thousands of retail and food service family businesses, we make a positive impact on the communities they serve.

We are committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland and are looking for dynamic, forward‑thinking individuals to join us.

• Supporting and learning the management of the portfolio product range, product quality and category plans to ensure that it reflects both market and consumer trends.
• Managing the sourcing and introduction of own label product in conjunction with the product development teams.
• With the support of the Trading Manager, negotiating the total purchase cost of products for Musgrave and our Retail Partners for the relevant portfolios.
• Developing excellent long‑term relationships with key stakeholders including suppliers, retail partners and food service customers, including retailer/supplier/site visits as required.
• Assessing market and competitor trends in your product area and managing the product range to capitalise on or counteract trends.
• Price positioning: assessing current pricing and margin performance, reviewing competitor price positioning and looking to maximise retailer margins and competitive position within the market.
• Promotion planning: planning events and promotions as per event calendar and brief, communicating to suppliers and reviewing proposals to ensure they meet stated criteria. Conducting post promotional analysis and negotiating improvements to offers.
• Profitability: learning to design and deliver compelling shopper / consumer propositions that are operationally efficient, commercially successful, and deliver optimum End‑to‑End profitability for Musgrave and our Retail / Food service partners.
• Performance management: taking accountability for the delivery of sales, margin and income metrics.
• Working with the Trading Manager on development and implementation of joint business plans with key suppliers.
• Managing supplier service levels / availability.
• Developing strong cross‑functional working relationships with key stakeholders including sales, marketing, operations and finance, promoting a strong customer‑focused offer at all times.
• Supporting project development and rollout within the category.
• Administrative activities linked to accurate maintenance of product/pricing files, promotional handbills, etc.
• Participation in formal development modules on the Musgrave Institute Programme.

• Honours Degree (Level
  8); all disciplines accepted or equivalent.
• Desire to work in a commercially‑focused role in the food and beverage retail/wholesale industry.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decision making.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to manage challenging discussions for win‑win outcomes.
• Microsoft Office experience.
• Ability to deliver to aggressive targets and timelines.
• Prioritisation skills to manage workload and competing demands.

• Practical internship or experience in a commercial role is an advantage.
• Experience of influencing / negotiation situations.
• Strategic thinking capability.
• Experience of working in the food and beverage or retail/wholesale industry.

• Career Development: With a commitment to your personal and professional growth, we offer numerous opportunities for advancement and learning.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team, where your contributions will make a significant impact.
• Innovation Focus: Be part of a company that values forward‑thinking solutions.
• Community Focus: Be part of a company that truly values its communities and strives to make a positive impact.
• Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a long‑standing commitment to community and innovation.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be part of a forward‑thinking company that values your expertise and vision.

Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.

Musgrave operates a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.