Trade Development Manager - ulster

Job Title: Trade Development Manager

Salary: £42,000 per annum + on‑target annual bonus (6–9%)
Location: Office-based (with regular off-site trade engagement)
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
 

Working Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 08:30 – 17:00 Friday: 08:30 – 16:30
(Flexibility required to support trade engagement events outside core hours)  

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Trade Development Manager to lead and evolve a trade engagement strategy within a regulated gas network environment.

This senior role will play a key part in strengthening relationships across the independent gas supply chain, supporting customer growth, service excellence, 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 trade engagement, communications, and events that align trade activity with wider business development and decarbonisation objectives.

The Role

As Trade Development Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a trade development strategy that creates clear alignment between organisational objectives and the activities being pursued across the independent supply chain.

A key aspect of the role is hosting and facilitating industry and trade association events, delivering high‑quality engagement activity, and supporting trade partners to deliver excellent outcomes for customers.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Strategy & Engagement

Develop and implement an annual Trade Development Strategy aligned with Business Development objectives

Plan and deliver a proactive and reactive programme of engagement with registered installers, manufacturers, retailers, merchants, and training centres

Lead trade engagement activity including trade breakfast events, social engagements, merchant events, and formal association meetings Act as host and facilitator for industry and trade association events

Stakeholder & Supply Chain Management

Act as the primary point of contact for the independent gas installer network

Maintain the central trade directory and manage the annual re‑registration process for Gas Safe registered installers

Respond to day‑to‑day queries from supply chain partners to support sales growth and high levels of customer satisfaction

Identify opportunities to support trade partners through marketing initiatives, promotions, and collaborative activities

Marketing & Communications

Work closely with the Marketing team to support the production of an annual localised installer directory

Contribute to the development and delivery of a high‑quality annual programme of trade communications and engagement activity

Support consistent and aligned messaging between the organisation and the independent supply chain

Work with the Domestic Sales team to support retailer knowledge sharing and point‑of‑sale branding initiatives

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 connection and finance‑related customer offers

General Responsibilities

Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and partner organisations

Observe and promote health and safety, equality, and customer care standards

Participate in learning and development activities to enhance effectiveness in the role

Undertake additional duties as required in line with the level of responsibility of the post

Person Specification

Essential

Full, valid UK driving licence

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a business development, trade engagement, or similar commercial role

Experience managing teams, including performance management, training, and presenting to larger groups

Flexibility to work outside core hours to support trade events and engagement activity

Positive, enthusiastic, self‑motivated, and industrious approach

Excellent communication, negotiation, and persuasive skills Strong organisational and administrative skills

Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Legal right to work in the UK on a permanent basis (visa sponsorship is not available)

Desirable

Experience working within an energy, utilities, or trade‑specific environment

Experience handling customer or trade complaint resolution  

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 plus 11 bank holidays, with 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: 12th 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.