Trade Development Manager

Full-Time | Permanent | Office-Based
Salary: £42,000 per annum + on-target annual bonus (6–9%)

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Trade Development Manager to lead and evolve a trade engagement strategy within a regulated industry. This senior role will play a key part in strengthening relationships across the independent gas supply chain, supporting customer connection growth, excellence in customer experience, and the transition to low‑carbon heating solutions for domestic and business consumers.

You will act as the primary point of contact between the organisation and the gas industry supply chain, delivering a structured programme of engagement, communications, and events that align trade activity with corporate growth and decarbonisation objectives.

Job Purpose

• Lead the development and delivery of an annual Trade Development Strategy aligned with Business Development objectives.
• Act as the primary interface between the organisation and the independent gas installer and supply‑chain network.
• Strengthen relationships with installers, manufacturers, merchants, retailers, and training centres to support customer growth, service excellence, and decarbonisation goals.
• Support the delivery of corporate objectives and the Gas Network Operator’s decarbonisation pathway across the domestic retrofit market.

Key Accountabilities

Trade Strategy & Engagement

• Develop and implement an annual Trade Development Strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
• Lead a proactive and reactive programme of engagement with registered installers, manufacturers, merchants, retailers, and training providers.
• Act as host and facilitator for industry and trade‑association events, the organisation’s flagship trade engagement platform.
• Deliver trade engagement activity including breakfast briefings, social events, merchant events, and formal association meetings.

Stakeholder & Supply Chain Management

• Maintain the central trade directory and stakeholder registration process, including annual re‑registration of Gas Safe registered installers.
• Act as a key point of contact for day‑to‑day queries from the independent installer network, supporting sales growth and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to support trade partners through marketing initiatives, promotions, and collaborative activity.
• Work with the Domestic Sales team to support retailer knowledge sharing and point‑of‑sale branding initiatives.

Marketing & Communications

• Work closely with the Marketing team to support production of an annual localised installer directory.
• Develop and deliver a high‑quality annual programme of trade communications and engagement activity.
• Support consistent and aligned messaging between the organisation and the independent supply chain.

Decarbonisation & Skills Development

• Support decarbonisation objectives by identifying and promoting training and upskilling opportunities for local installation companies.
• Encourage a multi‑measure approach to retrofit, including energy‑efficiency upgrades and emerging low‑carbon heating technologies.
• Coordinate domestic incentive schemes, enabling registered installers to offer gas connection and finance‑related customer offers.

Essential Criteria

• Full, valid UK driving licence
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a business development, trade engagement, or similar commercial role
• Flexibility with working hours, including early mornings or evenings to support trade events
• Highly self‑motivated with strong organisational skills
• Positive, enthusiastic, and industrious approach
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and persuasive skills
• Strong administration skills
• Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country of employment on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Working Arrangements

• Full‑time, permanent position
• Office‑based role (flexibility required for off‑site trade engagement and events)
• Core working hours:
  • Monday–Thursday: 08.30–17.00
  • Friday: 08.30–16.30

Benefits You’ll Love

• Enhanced contributory pension scheme
• Free life assurance
• “Give As You Earn” charity scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Enhanced sick pay (for qualifying staff)
• 20 days annual leave + 11 bank holidays + up to 5 additional long‑service days
• Free onsite parking
• Dedicated health and wellbeing support
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Annual salary reviews

About the Employer

The organisation is widely recognised for its commitment to safety, customer service, and operational excellence, and offers a supportive, inclusive, and forward‑thinking working environment where employees are encouraged to grow, contribute ideas, and support the transition to a low‑carbon future.

Interested?

If this sounds like the right next step for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact Apple Recruitment for a confidential discussion.

Closing Date: 5 May 2026 at midnight

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency and is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country of employment on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available.