At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive profitable growth in fresh produce across wholesale and foodservice channels.
- Company: Established UK fresh produce business with a focus on quality and service.
- Benefits: Permanent contract with opportunities for travel and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while building strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in fresh produce trading and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Ensure accurate trading records and margin reporting
- Visit customers regularly
- Contribute to weekly trading reviews
- Support working capital discipline and debtor management
Key Requirements
- 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
- Strong analytical and numerical skills
- Existing wholesale or foodservice network
- Experience with exotics, fruit or vegetable categories
Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: RND Recruitment
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values long-term partnerships, team members are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to the success of a leading fresh produce business. Located in the heart of the UK, employees benefit from a vibrant industry network and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the fast-paced world of fresh produce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the fresh produce industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or trade shows to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your trading skills! Prepare to discuss your experience with buying and selling fresh produce during interviews. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed margins and built relationships with suppliers and customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends! Keep an eye on the latest developments in the fresh produce sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, including Commercial Manager positions. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of standing out and getting noticed by hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Trading Instinct:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your strong trading instinct and any hands-on experience you have in buying and selling fresh produce. We want to see how you've navigated high-pressure environments and made impactful decisions.
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect your background in fresh produce or short shelf-life FMCG. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve driven profitable growth in non-retail channels like wholesale and foodservice.
Quantify Your Achievements:Use numbers to back up your claims! Whether it’s margin delivery, stock management, or customer development, we love to see quantifiable achievements. This helps us understand the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 developed new business opportunities. Use numbers to back up your achievements; this will highlight your analytical skills and commercial instinct.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves building strong relationships with suppliers and customers, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to talk about how you maintain these relationships and how they’ve contributed to your success in previous roles.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
The fresh produce market can be fast-paced and high-pressure, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to stay calm and make quick decisions. Prepare for situational questions that test your problem-solving skills and your ability to balance supply and demand effectively.
