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- Tasks: Drive profitable growth in fresh produce across non-retail channels like wholesale and foodservice.
- Company: Established UK fresh produce business with a focus on quality and service.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the fresh produce industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying/selling fresh produce or FMCG, strong commercial instinct required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 or apply directly via our website.
Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce in London employer: RND Recruitment
Contact Detail:
RND Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals in the fresh produce sector. Building relationships can open doors that a CV alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your trading successes and how you've driven growth in previous roles. This will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out to companies directly. Express your interest in their business and how you can contribute to their growth in non-retail channels.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the fresh produce market.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce in London
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 trading instincts. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven growth or improved margins in previous roles. This will help us see your impact.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. 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, seasonal availability, and pricing strategies. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Trading Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous trading experiences in detail. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed margins, made pricing decisions, or navigated supply and demand challenges. This will help illustrate your hands-on experience and commercial instinct.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves a lot of relationship management, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build strong partnerships with suppliers and customers. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your negotiation skills and how you've fostered collaboration in past roles.
✨Show Your Analytical Side
Given the importance of forecasting and risk control in this position, be ready to showcase your analytical skills. Discuss how you've used data to inform your trading decisions or manage risks in previous roles. This will help convey your numeracy and confidence with margin calculations.