Commercial/Trading Manager

An established and ambitious fresh produce business is looking to appoint a commercially astute Commercial/Trading Manager to lead performance across its non-retail channels.

This role sits at the heart of the trading function and carries full responsibility for buying, selling, margin delivery and customer growth across wholesale, foodservice, export and independent accounts.

You will play a key role in shaping commercial direction while operating in a fast-moving, market-led environment.

Key responsibility areas:

Commercial Trading

-Take full ownership of daily buying and selling activity
-Set and adjust pricing in line with live market conditions
-Deliver gross margin targets
-Actively 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 channels
-Identify and secure new non-retail opportunities
-Expand product listings and introduce new formats where commercially viable
-Support development of export markets where applicable

Supplier & Grower Partnerships
-Build strong, performance-focused relationships with suppliers
-Coordinate supply programmes to meet trading requirements
-Monitor quality, availability and commercial performance
-Contribute to category development initiatives

Forecasting & Risk Management

-Maintain clear forward visibility of volumes and margin
-Work cross-functionally to safeguard service levels
-Identify market volatility, shortages or oversupply risks early

Commercial Governance

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

Essential Experience

-Proven background in buying and selling fresh produce or other short shelf-life FMCG categories
-Strong commercial judgement with natural trading instinct
-Experience supplying wholesale and/or foodservice customers
-Comfortable operating in fast-paced, margin-driven environments
-Confident working with pricing and financial data

Desirable

-Established network within non-retail markets
-Experience across fruit, vegetables or specialist/exotic categories
-Strong analytical capability
-Willingness to travel regularly

This is a commercially significant role offering real accountability and influence. You will have the autonomy to make trading decisions, develop new revenue streams and directly impact business performance.

Ideal for a commercially ambitious trader ready to take ownership of a growing non-retail portfolio.

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