The Double Negotiation: The Art of the Internal and External Deal

In this episode, we sit down with Emma Pacey, Trading Director from one of the UK's largest supermarket chains to uncover the often-overlooked reality of their role: negotiation isn't just about driving hard bargains with suppliers—it's about winning hearts and minds internally, too.Our guest reveals why success at the trading desk requires a delicate balance of external negotiation prowess with suppliers and the equally critical skill of building consensus across internal teams—from category managers and marketing to finance and operations. Discover how the best Trading Directors navigate competing priorities, secure stakeholder buy-in, and align diverse departments behind a unified commercial strategy.We also explore what separates good suppliers from great ones when it comes to the negotiating table. Our guest shares real examples of how suppliers who understand the challenges supermarkets face can transform potentially difficult negotiations into collaborative partnerships—and why preparation and fluency in "buyer speak" can be the difference between a rejected proposal and a long-term contract.Whether you're in retail buying, supplier management, or interested in the tough commercial mechanics of the supermarket industry, this conversation offers rare insights into the negotiations of those who decide what lands on Britain's shelve - and at what price.