At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of fresh produce categories, balancing sales, quality, and supplier relationships.
- Company: Major UK grocery retailer with a focus on fresh produce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, cash allowance, bonus, and extensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for overseas travel and significant career growth.
- Why this job: Gain ownership of a key category and influence retail performance directly.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial background in fresh produce or grocery trading.
A rare opportunity to take full commercial ownership of a fresh produce category within a major UK grocery retail environment.
We’re supporting a major UK grocery retailer with multiple Trading Manager vacancies across fresh fruit / produce categories. These are broad category ownership roles, covering the retail proposition, procurement strategy, supplier base, commercial performance and seasonal trading across key produce areas.
You will be responsible for how your category performs commercially, how it is positioned for customers, how suppliers are selected and managed, and how seasonal movement, availability, quality, margin and price competitiveness are balanced.
The core roles sit across fresh fruit categories, with scope varying by category area. One role may also include retail-side responsibility for a related seasonal grocery category, working closely with a separate specialist procurement team.
This is a fast-paced, commercial role where decisions matter quickly. You will work closely with retail, procurement, supplier and grower-facing teams to keep the customer proposition and supply strategy joined up.
Key Responsibilities- Own the commercial performance of a fresh produce category, balancing sales, margin, availability, value and customer quality.
- Build and deliver category plans across range, pricing, promotions, supplier base and seasonal trading.
- Shape the procurement approach and supplier strategy for your core produce category.
- Manage seasonal plans, crop transitions, commodity movement and supply risk.
- Work closely with internal teams, suppliers and growers to make joined-up trading decisions.
- Use sales, margin, SKU and supplier data to identify opportunities and improve category performance.
You’ll need a strong commercial background in fresh produce, fresh food, grocery trading, buying, procurement or fast-moving short-shelf-life categories. Fresh produce experience would be ideal, but the client is open to people coming from either the supplier side or retail side. You do not need to have done both from day one if you have the commercial judgement, pace and curiosity to learn the missing side.
This could suit someone with experience as a Trading Manager, Buying Manager, Category Buyer, Commercial Manager, Procurement Manager, Senior Buyer, Produce Buyer or supplier-side Commercial Manager. You’re likely to do well here if you enjoy pace, numbers, supplier conversations, seasonal complexity and taking ownership of commercial decisions.
Why Join?This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants more than a narrow buying or procurement role. You’ll have real ownership of a visible fresh produce category, with direct influence over retail performance, supplier strategy, customer value and seasonal execution.
The role also offers meaningful exposure to growers, suppliers and international sourcing markets, with overseas travel expected around four to six times per year depending on category. The package includes salary, bonus, cash allowance and a strong wider benefits offering.
If you’re interested in learning more, we’d be happy to have a confidential conversation.
Trading Manager – Fresh Produce in Leeds employer: Henderson Brown
Henderson Brown is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in Northamptonshire, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our operations. We offer competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the thriving food manufacturing sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our commercial strategy and be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Manager – Fresh Produce in Leeds
✨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 Henderson Brown 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 Trading Manager – Fresh Produce in Leeds
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 Henderson Brown does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown
✨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 Henderson Brown 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 Henderson Brown.
✨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 Henderson Brown.
