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.