Role overview

Retail Business Development Executive.

Field based covering in and around Leicestershire & Northamptonshire 

Competitive salary (plus potential to earn bonus of up to 20%+ Excellent benefits package including use of Company Car, Laptop, iPad & Mobile Phone.

Mon-Fri flexible working 

Are you a dynamic and results-driven professional with a passion for retail and business growth? We have an exciting opportunity for a Retail Business Development Executive to join our SPAR Blakemore Trade Partners Team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in supporting and expanding our existing SPAR convenience store network within Leicestershire & Northamptonshire . You'll be the key to implementing strategic initiatives, ensuring operational excellence, and driving the success of multi-site retailers across your territory.

We take the word “Partner” seriously. As such we are seeking a food retail expert who is determined, articulate self-starter with a real passion for customer service, to collaborate, support and listen as we continue to add value to our SPAR customer’s businesses as well as our own, by driving retail sales. 

As part of the broader A.F. Blakemore & Son SPAR business, you will be empowered and supported in a family business that encourages accountability and personal development, thriving in a culture with defined DNA and Values built upon positive relationships both internally, with its partners and our local communities.

About You:

We’re looking for a proactive, motivated self-starter with a passion for food retail and customer service. You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Have experience managing convenience stores or supermarkets.
• Possess B2B account management experience, ideally within the convenience or food retail sector.
• Are numerically and literarily competent, with a strong understanding of retail operations.
• Have a valid UK driving licence and enjoy working independently.
• Are enthusiastic about growing retail businesses and building long-lasting partnerships

What You’ll Do:

As a trusted partner to our retailers, you’ll collaborate closely to enhance business performance while ensuring adherence to SPAR standards. Your key responsibilities include:

• Developing bespoke retail business plans, operational goals, and budgets alongside retailers.
• Monitoring retailer performance, addressing areas for improvement, and supporting them in maintaining SPAR’s high standards.
• Advising on SPAR’s latest developments and business initiatives.
• Offering guidance on key business issues, including health and safety, training, and legislation.
• Building strong relationships with retailers and their teams while balancing the needs of A.F. Blakemore.
• Identifying any trading issues or financial risks and reporting these to head office.
• Seamlessly integrating new retailers into the SPAR family and supporting their growth.

Some Key requirements

Essential

• Experience in managing Convenience Store/Supermarket.
• Account management experienced with B2B accounts, ideally in convenience/food.
• UK Driving Licence
• High level of numeracy and literacy
• A good knowledge of Retail Operations
• Excellent customer service skills
• A passion for Retail
• Extremely self-motivated and driven
• Experienced in Account/Field Management

Desirable

• Business Degree or equivalent

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary + ability to earn bonus up to 20%
• Use of Company Car, Laptop, iPad & Mobile Phone
• A dynamic role in an expanding team
• Fast paced exciting opportunity working with some of the UK's leading brands including SPAR
• Generous staff discount
• Proactive promotion of internal candidates

 Market leading benefits scheme including:

• Company car or opt out cash equivalent 
• Access to Company Pension scheme
• Holiday, Maternity and Paternity leave and pay in excess of statutory entitlements
• Cycle to work scheme
• Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi-diverse culture
• Outstanding Training & Development opportunities
• Gain hands-on experience in a high volume, fast paced environment
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay packages 
• Flexible working hours opportunity 
• Excellent additional benefits package including: 
• Early access to your pay through ‘EarlyPay’
• 24/7 access to your payslips via HR/Payroll portal
• 12.5% Staff discount on fresh items & 10% Staff Discount on ambient products in our SPAR stores (ex. Alcohol & Cigarettes)
• Wellbeing support – access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice
• Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
• Extra Holiday - Purchase Scheme
• Long Service Awards 

 About us:

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK. Our forward-thinking family-owned business began life in 1917 as a counter-service grocery store and has grown from these humble beginnings into a company that now owns 260 SPAR convenience stores and employs more than 7,000 people, with a turnover of £1.3 billion. 

As one of the largest convenience retailers in the UK, we are always looking for innovative ways to create a point of difference. Food and drink have always been our lifeblood, and today our business has multiple divisions specialising in SPAR retail, food service and wholesale distribution.

SPAR is the world’s largest international food retail chain, encompassing more than 12,000 stores in 40 countries. With more than 2,600 stores and a turnover in excess of £3 billion, SPAR is also the UK’s leading convenience store group. Being a ‘symbol’ group means that individual SPAR members retain their independence but enjoy the many benefits of being a part of a global brand.

If you're passionate about retail, eager to make a difference, and ready to be part of a supportive, family-run business that values relationships and community, we encourage you to apply for Retail Business Development Executive - We want to hear from you!

Inclusive environment: as a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all.  We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Department
Retail - Field/HO Management

Contract type
Permanent

Hours
40hrs p/w (Flexible)

Salary
Competitive + potential to earn bonus of up to 20%; plus excellent benefits package including use of company car, Laptop & Mobile Phone.

Benefits
Company Sick Pay Scheme, Additional Holidays, Company Pension Scheme, Staff Discount, Long Service Awards, Life Cover, Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee Volunteering Opportunities, Company Vehicle commensurate with job role

Closing date for applications
18th October, 2024