At a Glance
- Tasks: Trade alternative feeds and support British agriculture in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a collaborative team focused on delivering excellent service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while developing your skills in a fast-paced role.
- Qualifications: Experience in trading or sales is a plus; strong communication and numerical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a commercially minded and customer-focused individual to join our team as an Alternative Feeds Trader. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, have strong communication skills, and are confident with numbers and market trends, this role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a key part of our business. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that supports British agriculture and works together across departments to deliver excellent service.
About The Role
- Contract: Temporary, 12 month maternity cover
- Hours: Full-time
- Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, working Monday to Friday
- Location: Hybrid role, combining home working with travel to our Coylton Mill and Ashby-de-la-Zouch office
As an Alternative Feeds Trader, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day trading of alternative feeds, helping to meet budgeted volumes and margins. You’ll work closely with our Senior Traders, Field Sales team, and suppliers to manage trading positions, identify new opportunities, and support the growth of our alternative feeds portfolio. This is a varied role that combines market insight, commercial awareness, and relationship-building.
Key responsibilities include:
- Communicating with customers, prospects, and the sales team in a friendly and efficient manner
- Managing trading positions and raw material books to minimise risk
- Staying informed of commodity markets, pricing trends, and competitor activity
- Liaising with suppliers to ensure value for money and accurate market positioning
- Maintaining accurate records and using internal systems effectively
- Supporting promotional events, supplier meetings, and newsletter contributions
- Collaborating with the wider Feed Solutions team to identify opportunities and drive performance
About You
- UK agricultural experience is beneficial but not essential
- Experience in trading, sales, or commercial roles within a fast-paced environment
- Strong understanding of commodity markets and pricing strategies
- Ideally, technical knowledge of livestock nutrition
- Numerically sound and confident with pricing models
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable using internal systems
- Well-organised, responsive, and commercially aware
- Customer-focused, target-driven, and proactive
- A collaborative team player with a solution-focused mindset
What We Offer
- Scottish Widows contributory pension – company will match up to 5%
- Up to 25% colleague discount in store
- Free parking on site
- 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time colleagues)
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Plenty of career progression opportunities
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme with Retail Trust
- Comprehensive colleague benefits
- Enhanced Family Leave Policies
We may close this vacancy early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Alternative Feeds Trader employer: Mole Valley Farmers Limited
Join us as an Alternative Feeds Trader in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where you'll thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that champions British agriculture. We offer excellent training and development opportunities, a generous benefits package including a contributory pension and enhanced family leave policies, and a collaborative culture that encourages career progression. With a focus on teamwork and customer satisfaction, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector.
Contact Details:
Mole Valley Farmers Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Alternative Feeds Trader
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like Mole Valley Farmers Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Alternative Feeds Trader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at Mole Valley Farmers Limited, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mole Valley Farmers Limited
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
