E-Commerce Trading Manager

Why Join Us

WatchNation is a leading independent UK watch retailer with global reach, based in Hoole, Chester—a lively suburb with great independents and quick links to the city. We work directly with top watch brands and are investing for growth, including a brand-new Shopify site launching this year. It's a place where you can make a visible impact, develop quickly, and take ownership—alongside a focused team that's building something ambitious.

We're on the lookout for an E-Commerce Trading Manager with sharp commercial instincts and a customer-first approach. You'll own the trading planacross WatchNation and key marketplaces (Amazon, eBay), setting the weekly priorities that drive conversion, margin, and sell-through. Working with the Head of Digital, you'll set strategy, agree targets, and lead execution—from pricing and promotions to merchandising and launch readiness.

You'll also contribute to our very own in-house microbrand, Cestrian Watches. We've earned a loyal following and strong sales over the last few years. It's now backed by significant investment with new collections launching soon—giving you hands-on exposure to product launches, campaign planning, and brand development alongside our multi-brand retail business.

If you're analytical, sales-driven, creative and passionate about e-commerce, marketing and trading, this is a fantastic opportunity in a fast-growing company where your actions will have real, measurable impact from day one.

Our Culture:

We're a small, ambitious team of driven individuals who push each other to grow and improve every day. Collaboration, accountability, and a desire to learn sit at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in building a culture where people support one another and challenge each other to raise the bar—not just for ourselves, but for the growth and success of the business as a whole.

If you're curious, proactive, and want real ownership and the chance to make an impact, this is the place for you.

The Opportunity

We're at a genuinely exciting point: a fresh move from WooCommerce to Shopify, new brands joining the portfolio, and major launches ahead for Cestrian Watches. As E-Commerce Trading Manager, you'll sit at the centre of that growth—owning the trading plan / marketing calendar, setting weekly priorities, and aligning pricing, promotions, and merchandising to hit revenue, conversion, and margin goals.

You'll lead across the full trading stack and work cross-functionally across marketplaces (Amazon, eBay), setting strategy, agreeing targets, and coordinating execution. Expect real ownership—running the weekly trade review, directing tests (CRO/pricing/placement), with your decisions showing up clearly in the numbers.

We offer hybrid working—typically 3 days in our Chester HQ/store and 2 days remote—available after successful completion of probation and subject to role needs and a reasonable commute. We're a Home Office–licensed sponsor and, where appropriate, can consider Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities

Trading & Pricing

• Monitor competitor pricing daily to ensure we remain competitive across all sales channels.
• Recommend and implement price adjustments to protect margins while driving sales.
• Track sales performance and stock levels to identify high-potential products and slow movers.
• Support the planning and execution of promotions, discounts, and bundles to maximise sell-through.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure availability of high-demand SKUs and minimise out-of-stocks.

Customer Service

• Provide responsive, professional support predominately via email, but also assist on live chat and telephone when required, resolving issues quickly and effectively.
• Handle order queries, returns, and product information requests in line with brand values.
• Identify common customer queries and work with the team to improve on-site information and FAQs.

Website Merchandising

• Optimise product listings, images, and descriptions for clarity, accuracy, and conversion.
• Merchandise homepage banners, category pages, and collections to highlight key products and offers.
• Ensure seasonal, promotional, and new-arrival content is kept fresh and relevant.
• Manage promotional activity and implement discount strategies to drive sell-through.

Google Ads Campaign Management & Optimisation

• Manage and optimise Google Ads campaigns across Search, Shopping, and Display.
• Conduct keyword research, audience targeting, and bid management to improve ROI.
• Monitor campaign performance daily and adjust budgets, bids, and creatives to maximise conversions.
• Implement A/B testing of ad copy, landing pages, and product feeds.
• Provide regular reporting and insights on campaign performance, identifying opportunities to scale.

Digital Marketing

• Assist in creating engaging email newsletters to promote new products, offers, and brand stories.
• Produce and schedule social media posts across platforms ensuring content is on-brand and optimised for engagement.
• Support the creation of basic graphics, banners, and product images using tools like Canva

Performance & Analysis

• Report on pricing, promotions, and merchandising activity, highlighting successes and opportunities.
• Use data insights to recommend trading actions and improve conversion rates.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• At least 3 years' experience in an e-commerce / trading / marketing experience in a retail environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with a natural instinct for pricing and sales opportunities.
• Confident working with spreadsheets, data, and performance metrics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset with attention to detail.
• Experience handling customers via email, live chat, or similar channels.
• Full right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Experience with Shopify or other e-commerce platforms.
• Knowledge of watches, jewellery, FMCG, or other consumer luxury goods.
• Familiarity with Google Analytics, Excel reporting, or other analysis tools.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Store discount
• Work from home

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Chester CH2 3AZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chester CH2 3AZ