UK Food Trader

UK Food Trader

Crawley Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage sourcing, procurement, and sales of food products internationally.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of global food trading.
  • Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for international travel and networking.
  • Why this job: Shape global food movements while thriving in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in food trading or international procurement preferred; degree in related field is a plus.
  • Other info: Be part of strategic growth in the UK's import/export sector.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

The UK Food Trader will manage the sourcing, procurement, and sale of food products across international markets. This role focuses on driving profitable trade while navigating complex UK and international customs, logistics, and regulatory environments. You\’ll shape trading strategies, maintain close supplier and client relations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver seamless import/export operations.

Trading & Commercial Strategy

  • Identify new and existing opportunities in both domestic (UK) and international markets (e.g. EU, Asia, Middle East).
  • Source and negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers and clients.
  • Align trade activities with company goals for volume, margin, and profitability.

Market Intelligence & Risk Management

  • Track global market trends, geopolitical events , currency fluctuations, and commodity prices.
  • Provide insights to inform hedging/tender strategies and manage risk.
  • Stay aware of emerging opportunities (e.g., new export markets or imported product innovations).

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

  • Ensure all imports and exports adhere to UK food safety regulations
  • Prepare and manage accurate documentation
  • Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery and customs clearance.

Supplier & Customer Relationship Management

  • Develop and maintain relationships with international suppliers (e.g. producers, packers, cooperatives) and domestic clients (e.g. wholesalers, foodservice operators, retail chains).
  • Address supply chain issues, navigate disruptions, and ensure product quality and delivery expectations are met.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with logistics, quality assurance, finance, and legal teams to align trading activities with logistical capabilities and financial controls.
  • Coordinate quality inspections, trace-ability, and food safety assessments

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong commercial acumen, negotiation ability, and pricing strategy capability.
  • Deep understanding of UK and international food trading markets and terminology
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
  • Sharp analytical skills-comfortable with numbers, forecasting, and margin calculations.
  • Adaptable and resilient-with experience managing regulatory or supply disruptions.
  • IT literate: advanced Excel

Experience & Qualifications

  • Track record in food trading, commodity trading, or international agri-food procurement-preferably with UK-based import/export experience.
  • Strong network within the food industry: producers, wholesalers, exporters/importers, customs brokers.
  • Knowledge of UK trade policy changes, post-Brexit regulatory updates, and incident response in supply chain.
  • Degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business, Economics, or related discipline (preferred but not mandatory).

Why Join Us?

  • Be at the heart of global food movements-shaping what gets traded and where.
  • Work in a fast-moving environment
  • Opportunity for international travel and developing global networks.
  • Contribute to strategic growth and market diversification in the UK\’s dynamic import/export sector.

UK Food Trader employer: 1st Executive

Join us as a UK Food Trader and immerse yourself in a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and collaboration. With opportunities for international travel and professional growth, you'll be at the forefront of global food movements, shaping trading strategies while building strong relationships with suppliers and clients. Our commitment to employee development and a dynamic environment makes us an exceptional employer in the fast-paced import/export sector.
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Contact Detail:

1st Executive Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land UK Food Trader

✨Tip Number 1

Network actively within the food trading industry. Attend trade shows, conferences, and local events to meet potential suppliers and clients. Building relationships can give you an edge in sourcing opportunities and understanding market dynamics.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on UK and international food regulations and trade policies. Subscribe to industry newsletters or join relevant online forums to keep abreast of changes that could impact your role as a trader.

✨Tip Number 3

Develop strong negotiation skills by practising with peers or through role-playing scenarios. Being able to negotiate effectively with suppliers and clients is crucial for securing the best deals and terms.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with market intelligence tools and data analysis techniques. Understanding how to interpret market trends and commodity prices will help you make informed decisions and enhance your trading strategies.

We think you need these skills to ace UK Food Trader

Commercial Acumen
Negotiation Skills
Pricing Strategy
Market Analysis
Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
Documentation Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Customer Relationship Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Analytical Skills
Forecasting
Margin Calculations
IT Literacy
Advanced Excel Skills
Knowledge of UK and International Food Trading Markets
Understanding of Trade Policy Changes
Adaptability
Resilience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food trading, procurement, and international markets. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial acumen and negotiation skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the UK and international food trading landscape. Mention how your skills align with the company's goals and your enthusiasm for contributing to their success.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your analytical skills, IT literacy, and ability to manage regulatory compliance. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated supply chain disruptions or managed supplier relationships.

Showcase Market Knowledge: Demonstrate your awareness of current market trends, geopolitical events, and commodity prices in your application. This will show your potential employer that you are proactive and well-informed about the industry.

How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive

✨Research the Market

Before your interview, make sure to research current trends in the UK and international food trading markets. Understanding market dynamics, recent regulatory changes, and key players will demonstrate your commercial acumen and preparedness.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Be ready to discuss specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Highlight your ability to secure favourable terms with suppliers and clients, as this is crucial for the role of a UK Food Trader.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding supply chain disruptions or regulatory compliance issues. Prepare scenarios where you successfully navigated challenges and maintained product quality and delivery expectations.

✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role requires working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with logistics, finance, or legal teams in previous roles to align trading activities with broader company goals.

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