A Trading Manager at Morrisons plays a pivotal role in the success of the retailer’s commercial operations. Tasked with managing product categories, driving sales, optimising profit margins, and ensuring the right products are available at the right time and price, this role is critical to Morrisons’ customer satisfaction and bottom line. Working collaboratively across buying, marketing, and supply chain functions, a Trading Manager ensures that commercial decisions align with market trends and customer expectations.
The typical salary for a Trading Manager at Morrisons ranges from £45,000 to £65,000 per year, depending on experience and performance. It’s a dynamic role that demands strong analytical skills, stakeholder communication, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Below are 20 interview questions you’re likely to encounter for this role, complete with smart sample answers to help you stand out.
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Can you describe your understanding of the Trading Manager role at Morrisons?
Sample Answer: The Trading Manager at Morrisons is responsible for managing specific product categories, developing strategies to drive sales and margin, and ensuring the delivery of KPIs. The role also involves supplier negotiations, forecasting, pricing strategy, and cross-functional collaboration with marketing and supply chain teams.
What experience do you have in managing product categories?
Sample Answer: In my previous role at [Company], I managed the frozen foods category, overseeing £20 million in annual revenue. I used market data and consumer insights to make range decisions and improved margins by 8% through supplier renegotiations and promotional planning.
How do you handle pricing strategy and promotion planning?
Sample Answer: I use a combination of competitor benchmarking, internal margin targets, and customer data to inform pricing. I test promotional mechanics through A/B testing and analyze uplift performance to refine our promotional calendar.
Describe a time when you had to manage conflicting priorities.
Sample Answer: During a seasonal range changeover, I had to balance the urgency of launching new lines while resolving a supply chain delay. I prioritised customer impact, renegotiated delivery terms with the supplier, and used contingency stock to ensure minimal disruption.
What KPIs would you track as a Trading Manager?
Sample Answer: Sales, profit margin, stock turnover, availability, waste, markdown percentage, and supplier compliance are essential KPIs I consistently monitor and report on.
How do you analyse sales and trading data?
Sample Answer: I use tools like Excel, Tableau, and internal BI systems to spot trends, track promotions, and identify underperforming SKUs. I then action changes based on quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Tell me about a successful negotiation you’ve led.
Sample Answer: I negotiated a 6% cost reduction with a key dairy supplier by agreeing to longer-term volume commitments and improving their delivery forecasting, which benefited both parties.
How would you improve a declining category?
Sample Answer: I’d first investigate customer insight, sales trends, and competitor benchmarks. I’d then assess range rationalisation, pricing, promotional strategy, and in-store placement, followed by test-and-learn pilots to measure impact.
How do you stay up to date with market and retail trends?
Sample Answer: I subscribe to Kantar, IGD, and Nielsen reports, attend category briefings and retail conferences, and closely follow consumer behaviour reports.
What would you do in your first 90 days at Morrisons?
Sample Answer: I’d prioritise relationship building with key stakeholders, review category performance, understand existing strategies, and identify early wins or quick fixes that could demonstrate value quickly.
Describe your approach to stakeholder management.
Sample Answer: I adopt a transparent and collaborative approach. I keep stakeholders informed, aligned with shared goals, and resolve conflicts by focusing on data and mutual benefits.
What makes you a good fit for Morrisons’ culture?
Sample Answer: I value honesty, pace, and a customer-first mindset—qualities that align with Morrisons’ core values. I also thrive in fast-moving, pragmatic environments.
Tell me about a time you turned around a poor-performing product line.
Sample Answer: A ready-meal range was underperforming, so I partnered with insights to revamp the recipes, collaborated with marketing on a re-launch campaign, and re-negotiated price points. The result was a 15% uplift in three months.
How would you handle a supply chain disruption?
Sample Answer: I’d assess the impact, communicate with suppliers, identify alternative routes or substitutions, and keep internal teams informed to adjust forecasts and marketing where necessary.
Describe your experience with supplier relationships.
Sample Answer: I manage supplier relationships as partnerships. I hold regular performance reviews, agree to joint business plans, and maintain open lines of communication to avoid surprises.
What tools or software are you familiar with for trading analysis?
Sample Answer: Excel (advanced), Power BI, SAP, and Nielsen/IRI platforms. I’m also comfortable using internal ERP systems to track stock and performance.
How do you measure the success of a new product launch?
Sample Answer: I review sales velocity, rate of sale, return on promotional investment, customer feedback, and distribution reach within the first 12 weeks post-launch.
Have you ever made a decision that didn’t go as planned? What did you learn?
Sample Answer: I once overcommitted stock for a promotion that underperformed. I learned the importance of testing and modeling promo mechanics before full rollout and now involve wider teams earlier in the planning phase.
How do you balance short-term wins with long-term category growth?
Sample Answer: I map initiatives against both immediate KPIs and future category vision. Some promotions are aimed at immediate margin boosts, while NPD focuses on long-term loyalty and differentiation.
Why do you want to work at Morrisons?
Sample Answer: I admire Morrisons’ vertical integration model and its commitment to fresh food and value. I want to be part of a business that empowers Trading Managers to make data-led decisions and directly influence commercial outcomes.
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Final Tips and Encouragement for Morrisons Trading Manager Interviews
Going into your interview, remember that Morrisons values straightforward communication, commercial agility, and a genuine customer-first ethos. Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when responding to competency-based questions, and make sure your examples are quantified wherever possible.
Research Morrisons’ recent business updates and trading statements, and come prepared with thoughtful questions that demonstrate both strategic thinking and alignment with the brand.
Most importantly, be authentic and confident in your abilities. You’ve made it this far because your experience is valued—so showcase it proudly, stay calm, and trust your preparation.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
