How much can I ask for?

[namechangedisgrace]

I work in a big chain company.
In the same place in currently work a higher position has come available.
This would be a great opportunity for me, I'd be working in same location with same staff but have more responsibility.
The salary for the job is quite a wide bracket margin.
I currently earn higher than the lower bracket of the job advertised.

How much more money do you think it acceptable to ask for? (Per annum)

Go for the top of the bracket

Go for the top of the bracket.

Prepare 3 good arguements for this, e.g. x years experience specifically xyz that you can utilise to great effect in this role. Or pull them up about the gender pay gap, let them know you want to be equally compensated.

@Hoppinggreen and @Wester I initially though the top bracket.
However, I've been with the company for 10 years but have had 2 children in that time taking 20m off in total.
I have been in my current work place for almost 3 years and was the only one from my work place to work throughout the pandemic to support clients face to face - everyone else was furloughed (we aren't in a sector where we can work from home)

Stop talking yourself out of it, ask for the top.
Do you think most men wouldn’t?
You have been with the company a long time ( mat leave irrelevant) and so should have excellent knowledge of the systems and processes.
If they didn’t furlough you they needed you so you must be valued.
Come on OP, why wouldn’t you ask to be paid what you are worth !??!!

Ask for the top.
Practice what you are going to say when they ask you so that you can say it confidently.
"How much do you want?" they ask, and you say:
"20k." (or whatever it is)
not
"er well I think about 20k would be reasonable but I guess I could take lower because I had time off"
Then they will likely say "why?" or they might even laugh or something else to be off-putting so that you give in. Don't!
Be prepared. Say
"I have 5 years of experience and I am the best person for the job" or whatever your strongest reply is.
Really keep practicing out loud until you can say it confidently. I know it seems a bit silly but honestly it works. In my experience, women are generally bad at asking for money. Men are rarely shy when it comes to asking.

Very best of luck. You can do this!