Commercial Manager in Maidstone

Commercial Manager in Maidstone

Maidstone Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
All The Top Bananas

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage fresh produce procurement and build strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
  • Company: Join a well-established fresh produce business with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Fast-paced role with excellent growth potential in a seasonal market.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the fresh produce industry while developing your commercial skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Commercial Manager Fresh Produce Fresh People are managing the recruitment of a Commercial Manager on behalf of a well-established and successful fresh produce business.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial professional with a strong understanding of fresh produce procurement, customer management and supply chain operations.

The successful candidate will take ownership of specific categories while also supporting the procurement Working closely with customers, growers, suppliers and internal operational teams, you will be responsible for delivering agreed sales, volume and margin targets while maintaining excellent service levels and identifying commercial improvements throughout the supply chain.

The Role As Commercial Manager, your responsibilities will include: Taking responsibility for the commercial and procurement management of the category.

Developing a strong understanding of customer service expectations and ensuring these are consistently achieved.

Delivering agreed sales, volume and margin targets.

Establishing, developing and maintaining effective relationships with growers and suppliers.

Producing weekly customer costings and commercial updates.

Managing price returns to growers and suppliers within agreed timescales.

Preparing and delivering end-of-season reviews with customers and suppliers.

Identifying and delivering cost savings across the supply chain.

Introducing improved commercial processes and more effective ways of working.

Working closely with supply chain, procurement, technical, quality and operational teams to ensure product is delivered on time and to the required standard.

Supporting the development and delivery of joint customer category plans.

Providing accurate commercial account information to support forecasting and longer-term procurement programmes.

Contributing to the development and promotion of the product range.

Working with customer and technical teams to resolve sourcing, availability and product-quality issues.

Communicating technical or quality matters clearly to customer commercial teams.

Maintaining a strong understanding of market conditions, consumer trends, competitor activity and product development.

Ensuring commercial, financial and administrative controls are followed.

About You We are looking for someone who can demonstrate: Previous commercial, procurement or category management experience within fresh produce.

Experience working with UK retailers, fresh produce customers, growers or suppliers.

A strong understanding of seasonal procurement, pricing, margins, volumes and availability.

The ability to prepare commercial costings and manage supplier or grower returns.

Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills.

The ability to interpret market information and identify commercial opportunities.

Experience working collaboratively with supply chain, technical, quality and operational teams.

Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills.

Confidence managing competing priorities within a fast-moving and highly seasonal environment.

Previous people-management or team-development experience.

Experience within a fresh produce category would be particularly advantageous.

To apply, please submit your CV or contact Fresh People for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.

TPBN1_UKTJ

Commercial Manager in Maidstone employer: All The Top Bananas

My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.

All The Top Bananas

Contact Details:

All The Top Bananas Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Maidstone

Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops

Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.

Get Involved in Agricultural Events

Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!

Volunteer for Relevant Experience

Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!

Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites

Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like All The Top Bananas often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Maidstone

Commercial Management
Procurement Management
Customer Management
Supply Chain Operations
Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Costing Preparation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.

Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.

Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.

Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what All The Top Bananas does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas

Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies

Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with All The Top Bananas will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.

Showcase Your Practical Experience

Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at All The Top Bananas.

Understand the Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.

Practice Common Industry Scenarios

Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with All The Top Bananas.