At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive profitable growth in fresh produce across non-retail channels and build strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Established UK fresh produce business with a focus on quality and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and supportive team.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced industry and make a real impact on the fresh produce market.
- Qualifications: Experience in trading fresh produce or FMCG, with strong commercial instincts.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Stratford upon Avon
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full‑time
Working pattern: Site‑based with travel to customers
Pay: £45,000-50,000 + bonus
About the Company
Our client is a well‑established UK fresh produce business supplying high‑quality fruit and vegetables to wholesalers, foodservice operators and independent customers nationwide. The company works closely with growers and suppliers across the UK and overseas, operating in a fast‑paced, margin‑sensitive environment. With a strong focus on service, product quality and long‑term partnerships, the business continues to expand its non‑retail footprint.
The Opportunity
A fantastic opening has arisen for an experienced Commercial Manager with a strong trading instinct and background in fresh produce or short shelf‑life FMCG. This role focuses on driving profitable growth across non‑retail channels — wholesale, foodservice, independent customers and export. You'll take ownership of buying, selling, margin delivery and customer development, while building strong supplier and grower relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Trading & Margin Ownership
- Actively buy and sell fresh produce across designated categories
- Make daily pricing and trading decisions aligned with market conditions
- Protect and grow gross margin performance
- Manage stock exposure and minimise waste risk
- Balance supply and demand in real time
- Channel Growth – Non‑Retail
- Develop new business across wholesale, foodservice and independent channels
- Identify opportunities for new products, formats and category expansion
- Strengthen relationships with key non‑retail customers
- Support potential export opportunities
- Supplier & Source Management
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with growers and suppliers
- Align supply programmes with trading requirements
- Provide clear feedback on quality, availability and supplier performance
- Support category development initiatives
- Forecasting & Risk Control
- Maintain clear visibility of future volumes, pricing and margin
- Work closely with Procurement, Operations and Technical teams to manage risk
- Identify market risks such as gluts, shortages or logistics constraints
- Commercial Discipline
- Ensure accurate trading records and margin reporting
- Visit customers regularly
- Contribute to weekly trading reviews
- Support working capital discipline and debtor management
Key Requirements
- Essential
- Strong commercial instinct and hands‑on trading experience
- Background in buying and selling fresh produce or short shelf‑life FMCG
- Experience in wholesale and/or foodservice channels
- Comfortable in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving trading environment
- Numerate and confident with pricing and margin calculations
- Desirable
- Strong analytical and numerical skills
- Confident negotiator
- Existing wholesale or foodservice network
- Experience with exotics, fruit or vegetable categories
Commercial Manager in Avon employer: RND Recruitment
As a leading player in the fresh produce sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment for a Commercial Manager in Stratford upon Avon, where you can thrive in a dynamic and supportive culture. We prioritise employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, while also providing competitive pay and performance bonuses. Join us to be part of a team that values quality, innovation, and strong partnerships, all within a vibrant community known for its rich history and beautiful surroundings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss market trends in fresh produce and showcase your trading instincts. Show them you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. We love a proactive candidate!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare and stand out. Let’s get you that Commercial Manager position together!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in fresh produce or FMCG, and don’t forget to showcase your trading instincts and any relevant achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the key responsibilities, like managing supplier relationships or driving channel growth.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have with pricing, margin calculations, or forecasting. We want to see how you can contribute to our commercial discipline!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at RND Recruitment
✨Know Your Fresh Produce
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh produce, especially the categories you'll be dealing with. Understand market trends, pricing strategies, and the specifics of short shelf-life FMCG. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the products but also passionate about them.
✨Demonstrate Your Trading Skills
Be ready to discuss your hands-on trading experience in detail. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed buying and selling in a fast-paced environment. Highlight any specific instances where you protected margins or made strategic decisions that led to growth.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves strong supplier and customer relationships, think of ways to demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Share stories about how you've collaborated with suppliers or developed key accounts in the past. This will illustrate your ability to strengthen partnerships, which is crucial for success in this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities in real-time trading situations. Practice articulating how you would handle challenges like stock shortages or price fluctuations. This will help you showcase your analytical skills and commercial instinct effectively.
