Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with travel opportunities and a chance to shape the future of the business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fresh produce industry while developing your commercial skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in fresh produce trading and strong commercial instincts required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: North West London
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full‑time
Working pattern: Site‑based with travel to customers
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
Other
- Fluent English
- Willingness to travel
How to Apply
Submit your CV to career@rndrecruitment.co.uk or apply directly via our website.
Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce employer: RND Recruitment
Contact Detail:
RND Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fresh produce industry. Attend trade shows, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your trading skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, be ready to discuss your experience in buying and selling fresh produce. Share specific examples of how you've driven margin growth or managed stock effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Before any interview, make sure you know their products, values, and market position. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce
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 and any relevant achievements that showcase your trading instincts. We want to see how you can drive growth in non-retail channels!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed margins, built supplier relationships, or navigated a fast-paced trading environment. This will help us see your potential impact.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. A well-structured application makes it easier for us to see why you’re a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: While you can send your CV via email, we encourage you to apply directly through our website. It helps us streamline the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 what makes a good supplier relationship. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Trading Skills
Prepare to discuss your hands-on trading experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed margins, made pricing decisions, or navigated supply and demand challenges. This is your chance to showcase your commercial instinct and analytical skills.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves a lot of relationship management, practice building rapport during your interview. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions about their operations, and express your enthusiasm for developing strong partnerships with suppliers and customers alike.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss how you've handled risks and challenges in previous roles. Whether it’s managing stock exposure or navigating logistics constraints, having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and contribute to the company's growth.