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- Tasks: Join us as a Graduate Trainee Trader, learning fresh produce procurement and sales.
- Company: Dole UK is a leading fresh produce supplier, committed to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Dive into the fresh produce industry, impacting pricing strategies and customer relationships.
- Qualifications: A minimum 2:2 degree in Agriculture, Economics, Marketing, Business Management, or International Trade required.
- Other info: Work collaboratively on exciting projects while developing your skills in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
LOCATION: Kingston-upon-Thames
REPORTS TO: Commercial Manager
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a graduate trainee within the Imports division of Dole UK you will learn about fresh produce procurement and sales to the wholesale, food service and catering sectors. You will spend time working on a trading desk learning how to procure and sell produce to an array of internal and external customers. You will work on a range of projects with different customers alongside colleagues who will provide guidance and support as you develop your skill set. We will provide on the job learning and experiences giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of the Dole UK Imports business. This is a dynamic role that will allow you to get close to the supply chain within the fresh produce industry and give you a first-hand understanding of how this directly affects pricing strategies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Spend time with each trader to learn the specifics of their role, relationships and product responsibilities to gain detailed knowledge of the operations on each part of the desk and become a member of the team who can cover all team members' responsibilities on procurement and sales.
- Increase fixed price and programmed business on berries and cherries through adding new food service customers. Additionally, research the “quick commerce” sector to advise on a strategy to enable us to gain business with companies who represent the best opportunity for us to supply.
- Build a dashboard system of live information to assist with daily trading decisions. Using the information in the ERP system coupled with tools available in MS Teams and Office packaging, implement an office wide tool that allows traders to analyse and use information quickly when making decisions.
EXPERIENCE/ABOUT YOU
- Commercial awareness to enable you to provide support to the colleagues that you will work with and to navigate evolving customer needs.
- Determination to understand what we do and an enthusiasm to learn more about our diverse and dynamic business.
- Motivation and ambition to develop in an FMCG business.
- An innovative thinker with a flexible approach who is open to new ways of operating and can adapt to evolving business needs.
- A high degree of ownership and problem solving, taking an organised and strategic approach to managing workload.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to interpret requirements and report in an easily understandable format.
- A team player who is comfortable working collaboratively across a broad range of projects.
- IT literate with excellent Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum 2:2 degree in either: Agriculture / Economics / Marketing / Business Management / International Trade.
Graduate Trainee Trader employer: Dole UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Dole UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee Trader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the fresh produce industry, especially focusing on procurement and sales. Understanding the dynamics of this sector will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, particularly those involved in trading or supply chain management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and potentially make connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Microsoft Excel skills, as data analysis will be a key part of the role. Consider taking an online course or using tutorials to enhance your proficiency, which will not only help you in the job but also impress during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of customer needs and how you can contribute to meeting them. Think about examples from your studies or previous experiences where you've demonstrated commercial awareness or problem-solving skills relevant to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee Trader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the Graduate Trainee Trader role. Emphasise any coursework or projects related to agriculture, economics, or business management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the fresh produce industry and your motivation to learn. Mention specific aspects of Dole UK's operations that excite you and how you can contribute to their team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and IT literacy, especially in Microsoft Word and Excel. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness: Demonstrate your understanding of the fresh produce market and the FMCG sector. You could mention any research you've done on current trends or challenges in the industry, which will show your proactive approach.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dole UK Ltd
✨Show Your Commercial Awareness
Demonstrate your understanding of the fresh produce market and how it operates. Research current trends, pricing strategies, and customer needs in the industry to show that you are proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Graduate Trainee Trader, you'll be working closely with colleagues. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated on projects or supported team members to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to tackle challenges, particularly in a commercial context, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency
Since the role requires strong IT skills, especially in Microsoft Excel, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and any relevant tools you've used. You might even want to mention specific projects where you've utilised these skills effectively.
