At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the commercial team with forecasting, demand analysis, and customer service.
- Company: Established food business focused on fresh produce and FMCG.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Great development role with exposure to various commercial functions.
- Why this job: Step into a broader commercial role and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in forecasting within fresh food or FMCG environments.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A commercially focused forecasting role for someone from fresh food, food or FMCG who wants to move closer to the customer and build a longer-term commercial career.
The Opportunity
This is a great opportunity for someone with strong forecasting or demand planning experience who wants to step into a broader commercial role. You'll be joining a well-established food business, supporting the commercial team with customer forecasting, demand analysis, pricing, margin, wastage, promotional activity, NPD administration and customer service. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys data, planning and accuracy, but does not want to stay in a purely supply chain or planning lane forever. You'll still use your forecasting background every day, but you'll also gain much broader exposure to customer conversations, commercial decision-making and future account growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Owning and updating daily volume forecasts, while building towards a longer-term rolling forecast.
- Monitoring sales and demand changes, flagging risks, opportunities and movements in customer requirements.
- Supporting pricing, margin, wastage, ranging and promotional analysis.
- Working closely with Procurement, Category, Insight, Operations, Quality and site teams to align forecasts, SKU changes and customer requirements.
- Supporting customer queries, customer visit preparation, new line forms, NPD meetings and internal commercial reporting.
- Helping identify opportunities to improve performance, reduce waste and support future growth.
What We're Looking For
The most important thing is forecasting experience within fresh food, fresh produce or another fast-moving FMCG environment. You'll need to be comfortable working with data, spreadsheets and changing demand patterns, but you'll also need the confidence to communicate clearly with internal teams and support customer-facing commercial activity. This could suit someone currently working as a Demand Planner, Forecasting Analyst, Supply Chain Planner, Commercial Analyst or Commercial Executive who wants a broader, more commercial role. You'll likely bring:
- Fresh food, fresh produce or short-shelf-life FMCG planning experience.
- Strong Excel and analytical skills.
- Good attention to detail and the ability to spot risks or opportunities quickly.
- Clear communication skills and confidence working cross-functionally.
- A genuine interest in developing commercially.
Why Join?
This is a strong development role for someone who wants more than a traditional planning position. You'll get exposure to forecasting, customer support, pricing, NPD, category insight, commercial reporting and performance improvement, while working closely with an experienced National Account Controller who is keen to develop people. For the right person, this could be a strong stepping stone towards a more senior commercial role in the future. If you're interested in learning more, we'd be happy to have a confidential conversation.
Commercial Planning Executive in Northampton employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Planning Executive in Northampton
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like All The Top Bananas.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from All The Top Bananas!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like All The Top Bananas, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at All The Top Bananas, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Planning Executive in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at All The Top Bananas, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at All The Top Bananas.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to All The Top Bananas. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at All The Top Bananas. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to All The Top Bananas’s mission.
