Job Specifications
E-Commerce Trading Manager
Start a new chapter in January 2026.
Shape the future of a fast-growing UK watch retailer.
£30,000 - £35,000 DOE
Why Join WatchNation?
If you’re looking for a role where you can truly make an impact—not just “manage a website”—this is it.
WatchNation is one of the UK’s leading independent watch retailers with a growing international footprint. Based in Hoole, Chester, we work directly with brands like Seiko, Hamilton, Orient, Fossil, Timex Group and more. We’ve just launched a fully rebuilt Shopify store, and this is only phase 1 of a multi-stage evolution of our digital presence.
Here, you won’t be a small cog in a huge machine—you’ll shape how we trade, how customers shop, and how the business grows week by week. It’s hands-on, commercial, creative, and fast-moving.
You’ll also work closely on something unique: our in-house microbrand, Cestrian Watches, with new collections launching in early 2026. You’ll gain first-hand experience in product launches, storytelling, and brand development.
If you’re ambitious, hands-on, commercially sharp, and excited by a role with genuine ownership, you’ll thrive here.
Who We Are
We’re a small, focused team that moves quickly, collaborates closely, and takes pride in doing great work. No corporate layers. No politics. Just people building something exceptional.
If you’re proactive, curious, data-driven, and want your ideas to matter—you’ll fit right in.
The Opportunity
WatchNation is at a pivotal moment:
Our new Shopify store is live; phase 2 is kicking off
New brands are joining our portfolio
Cestrian is preparing for significant launches
We’re scaling internationally and expanding our operations
As E-Commerce Trading Manager, you’ll sit at the heart of everything—optimising pricing, delivering campaigns, managing customer experience, and turning insights into fast commercial wins. You’ll also work closely with our Head of Digital, Developers, Product Listing Specialists and SEO Specialist.
Hybrid working is available (3 days in Chester HQ / 2 days remote after probation). We are a Home Office–licensed sponsor.
Key Responsibilities
Trading & Pricing
Monitor competitor pricing to stay competitive while protecting margins
Recommend & implement pricing strategies
Identify best sellers and slow movers and take action
Support planning of promotions, bundles, and offers
Ensure high-demand SKUs remain in stock with supplier coordination
Digital Marketing
Plan and deliver marketing campaigns across email, social, blog, newsletters etc.
Write and schedule newsletters and digital content
Create graphics and banners and have creative flair to generate watch-based content
Assist in campaign planning for product launches across both WatchNation and Cestrian
Support brand storytelling with fresh, engaging content
Customer Service
Support customers primarily via email; occasional live chat/phone cover
Resolve order queries, returns, and product information requests professionally
Identify recurring themes and improve onsite content and FAQs accordingly
Website Merchandising
Optimise product pages for accuracy, SEO, and conversion
Merchandise homepage, collections, and categories
Ensure seasonal and promotional content is always fresh
Implement discount strategies and promotional experiences
E-Commerce Operations
Manage product feeds for Google Shopping, Meta, and marketplaces
Monitor Google Merchant Center for errors, disapprovals, and feed health
Manage Google Tag Manager & GA4 conversions/tracking accuracy
Liaise with developers on bugs, improvements, and site enhancements
Support ongoing optimisation of site speed, UX, and SEO foundations
Google Ads
Manage Search, Shopping, Pmax and Display campaigns
Conduct keyword research and audience targeting
Optimise bids, budgets, and creative
Run A/B tests & optimise landing pages / feed quality
Provide clear reporting and commercial recommendations
Reporting & Insights
Analyse sales, pricing, merchandising, and campaign performance
Recommend trading actions to improve CVR and revenue
Provide weekly performance updates with clear commercial insights
What We’re Looking For
Essential
3+ years’ experience in e-commerce, trading, or digital marketing
Shopify experience
Strong commercial instincts and pricing awareness
Confident with spreadsheets, data analysis, and KPIs
Excellent written and verbal communication
Proactive, solutions-focused, and detail-driven
Familiar with Google Analytics & reporting tools
Customer-facing experience (email/live chat)
Relevant university degree
Full right to work in the UK
Desirable
Interest or knowledge of watches, luxury goods, or consumer brands
Experience with Google Tag Manager, feed management, or technical e-commerce
Marketplace experience (Amazon, eBay)
CRO or UX testing experience
Benefits
Hybrid working after probation
Casual dress
Company pension
Employee discount
Free parking
Real ownership across both retail and brand sides
Chance