Commercial Manager - #2128722

About The Card Vault

The Card Vault is a fast-growing trading card and collectables retailer, operating online alongside our retail store and warehouse operation in Glasgow.

We sell across a wide range of major trading card games and collectables through our own website, eBay and other marketplaces, and have grown significantly over the past few years.

As the business continues to develop, we are creating a new Commercial Manager position to take greater ownership of our commercial activity and help drive the next stage of growth.

This is a broad role with a lot of scope to make an impact. We are looking for someone commercially minded, proactive and comfortable identifying opportunities rather than simply managing an existing process.

The role

The Commercial Manager will report directly to the owner and work closely with our existing management team across warehouse and operations, retail and e-commerce.

A major focus of the role will be developing areas of the business that do not rely solely on traditional distributor supply and allocations.

This will include identifying opportunities to source and sell more sealed products, graded cards, singles and other collectables, developing new supplier and sourcing relationships, expanding our product range and growing these categories across our website, eBay and other relevant marketplaces.

The role will also gradually take ownership of a number of existing commercial responsibilities currently handled by the owner, including purchasing, supplier management, pricing, stock planning and wider commercial decision-making.

We do not expect somebody to take over every area on day one. Responsibilities and purchasing authority will be transitioned over time as you develop an understanding of the business, our suppliers, products and customers.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and develop new revenue opportunities, with a particular focus on product categories and sourcing channels that are less reliant on distributor allocations.
• Source sealed products, singles, graded cards and other relevant collectable products for resale.
• Develop relationships with new suppliers, traders, stores and other sourcing partners.
• Identify new product categories and commercial opportunities that complement our existing customer base.
• Grow product availability and sales across our website, eBay and other marketplaces.
• Take increasing responsibility for purchasing and buying decisions across the business.
• Manage and develop relationships with existing suppliers and distributors.
• Review product performance, stock levels and stock turn to help improve purchasing decisions.
• Identify slow-moving stock and recommend pricing, promotional or clearance strategies.
• Support pricing decisions with a focus on maintaining competitiveness while protecting gross margin.
• Forecast demand and make informed restocking and purchasing decisions.
• Monitor market pricing, product trends, new releases and competitor activity.
• Work closely with our E-Commerce & Social Media Manager on product launches, promotions, campaigns and marketplace opportunities.
• Work with our Warehouse & Operations Manager and Retail Manager to understand stock flow, customer demand and operational requirements.
• Regularly review commercial performance and identify areas where revenue, margin or stock efficiency can be improved.
• Take ownership of commercial projects from initial idea through to implementation and review.

What we're looking for

We are primarily looking for commercial ability and relevant experience rather than specific academic qualifications.

You may currently work in buying, category management, e-commerce, retail, marketplaces, procurement or another commercially focused position.

You should be:

• Commercially minded, with a strong understanding of revenue, margin and profitability.
• Comfortable analysing products, pricing, stock and sales data to make decisions.
• Confident negotiating and building relationships with suppliers.
• Proactive and naturally inclined to look for new opportunities.
• Comfortable taking ownership of projects and working independently.
• Organised and able to manage multiple product categories and priorities.
• Experienced within retail, e-commerce, buying, marketplaces or a similar commercial environment.
• Comfortable working closely with different areas of a small and fast-moving business.
• Confident using spreadsheets and data as part of day-to-day decision-making.

Trading cards and collectables

Previous experience within trading cards, collectables, gaming or a closely related industry would be highly advantageous.

It is not essential, and we would welcome applications from strong commercial candidates from other retail or e-commerce sectors.

However, an existing understanding of the trading card and collectables market, including products, marketplaces, pricing and customer behaviour, would be a significant advantage.

Working arrangements

This is a hybrid position and much of the role can be carried out from home.

However, regular visits to our Glasgow shop and warehouse will be an important part of the position. Understanding how products move through the business, reviewing stock first-hand, working with the management team and occasionally collecting or transferring inventory will all form part of the role.

We therefore require the successful candidate to be within a reasonable travelling distance of Glasgow and comfortable visiting our locations throughout the week when required.

Our usual working hours are Monday to Friday, approximately 9am–5pm, although there is flexibility around working hours.

What we offer

• Salary of £40,000–£48,000, depending on experience.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Hybrid working.
• Flexible working hours.
• Employee discount.
• Company pension.
• Casual working environment.
• The opportunity to shape a newly created role within a growing business.
• Significant autonomy as the role develops.
• The opportunity to have a direct impact on the commercial growth of the company.