Commercial Trading Manager

A super opportunity to join this well established fresh produce business that is looking to recruit a driven, commercially minded Fresh Produce specialist to step into this high-impact, newly created commercial / trading role.

If you have experience buying, selling or trading fresh produce - and you thrive in the fast-moving, world of fresh - this could be your ideal next role.

Working directly with the CEO, you will sit at the heart of the non-retail function with real ownership, real accountability and a clear pathway to accelerate your career.

You will take responsibility for buying, selling, pricing and margin delivery across wholesale, foodservice, export and independent channels - shaping commercial direction while operating in a dynamic, market-led environment.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Trading:

Take ownership of daily buying and selling activity
Set and adjust pricing in line with live market conditions
Deliver and protect gross margin performance
Manage stock risk and short shelf-life exposure
Align supply with customer demand to optimise returns

Business Development:

Drive growth across wholesale, foodservice and independent accounts
Identify and secure new non-retail opportunities
Expand product listings and introduce commercially viable new formats
Support export market development where appropriate

Supplier & Grower Partnerships:

Build strong, performance-driven supplier relationships
Coordinate supply programmes aligned to trading strategy
Monitor quality, availability and commercial performance
Contribute to category growth initiatives

Forecasting & Risk Management:

Maintain forward visibility on volumes and margin
Anticipate volatility, shortages and oversupply risks
Work cross-functionally to safeguard service and profitability

Commercial Governance:

Maintain accurate reporting on trading activity and margin
Participate in weekly performance reviews
Conduct regular customer engagement
Support working capital control and debtor management

What We're Looking For:

Essential

2-3+ years' experience buying, selling or trading fresh produce (or short shelf-life FMCG)
Strong commercial judgement and natural trading instinct
Experience supplying wholesale and/or foodservice customers
Comfortable operating in fast-paced, margin-driven environments
Confident working with pricing, costings and financial data

Desirable:

Established network within non-retail fresh produce markets
Experience across fruit, vegetables or specialist categories
Strong analytical capability
Willingness to travel when required

You will have the autonomy to make trading decisions, develop new revenue streams and directly impact business performance - while working with the CEO in a growing, ambitious business.

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Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed