At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the trading team with admin, customer engagement, and performance monitoring.
- Company: Join Community Foods, a leading supplier in the UK food industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, company events, discounts, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in trading while working with exciting food products.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 37800 £ per year.
Community Foods is a major supplier of dried fruit, soaked fruit, nuts, berries, seeds, and other ingredients to the UK food industry, including a number of well-known market leading brands. With sales continuing to perform very well, the Ingredients division continues to be a major part of the overall Community Foods business and remains one of the largest suppliers of our type of ingredients to the UK market.
The Trading Assistant will play a key supporting role within the Ingredients Department, helping to manage admin, internal processes, data integrity, and direct interactions with customers. This position offers a blend of administrative, commercial, and customer-facing responsibilities - making it ideal for someone who is eager to learn, has a keen eye for detail, and enjoys working in a fast-paced, product-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities- Commercial and Contract Management:
- Load purchase and sales business agreements (BAs) into internal systems accurately and on time.
- Monitor and track customer forecasts versus actual orders; highlight discrepancies and assist in planning.
- Track contract timelines and provide proactive alerts when sales contracts are approaching expiry (3-month notice).
- Proactively support traders in preparing and updating customer pricing, volumes, and product data.
- Customer Engagement & Sample Management:
- Coordinate customer sample requests, ensuring timely dispatch and proper tracking.
- Help respond to customer queries regarding orders, product availability, and delivery updates.
- Performance Monitoring & Margin Review:
- Analyse smaller customer accounts to identify potential areas to improve commercial margins or operational efficiency.
- Contribute to business reviews by compiling sales reports and margin summaries and performance against budget.
- Team Support & Process Improvement:
- Assist the trading team with administrative tasks, day-to-day activity, reporting, and coordination with supply chain, logistics, finance, and QA.
- Contribute ideas to improve service and drive additional value from existing customer relationships.
During your employment, you may have access to, see or hear information of a confidential nature relating to customer plans etc. and must not disclose it to other customers unless the information is already in the public domain. You must not make any disclosure to any unauthorised person or use any confidential information relating to the business affairs, unless expressly authorised to do so by the Company.
Requirements- Experience working with customers in a commercial, sales support, or operations environment is desirable.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a confident and professional manner.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and prioritise effectively.
- Fast learner with a genuine interest in products, markets, and food ingredients.
- Team player with a hands-on, can-do attitude.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Commercially curious, analytical, and keen to develop a career in trading.
- Good Working Knowledge / Experience of:
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word (required).
- Experience with SAP and Reflex or similar ERP systems (preferred).
- Understanding of sales admin, trading documentation, or FMCG supply chains is desirable.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £27,000.00 per year
Benefits:- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Trading Assistant in Witham employer: Community Foods Ltd
Community Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive in their roles as Trading Assistants. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides ample opportunities for learning and advancement within the fast-paced food industry. The supportive team culture, combined with attractive benefits such as a company pension, cycle to work scheme, and employee discounts, makes Community Foods a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Assistant in Witham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Community Foods and their products, especially the ingredients they supply. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to trading and customer engagement. Think about how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Trading Assistant role and be ready to share examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the team at Community Foods.
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Assistant in Witham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Trading Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in customer engagement, admin tasks, or data management to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share specific examples of how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A polished application shows us you take pride in your work and can handle the fast-paced environment we thrive in.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Foods Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of dried fruits, nuts, and other ingredients that Community Foods supplies. Being able to discuss these products confidently will show your genuine interest in the role and the industry.
✨Master the Admin Tools
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and any ERP systems like SAP or Reflex. You might be asked about your experience with these tools, so being able to demonstrate your skills will give you an edge.
✨Show Your Customer Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully interacted with customers in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve handled queries or resolved issues, as this is key for the Trading Assistant position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Process Improvements
Think of ideas or suggestions for improving processes based on your past experiences. Showing that you can contribute to team support and process improvement will demonstrate your proactive attitude and commercial curiosity.
