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- Tasks: Manage suppliers, analyse sales data, and develop exciting new food products.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit co-operative supporting independent foodservice businesses.
- Benefits: Earn up to £45,000 with a great benefits package and career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the foodservice sector while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in foodservice, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Sterling Supergroup Ltd is seeking an experienced, commercially astute and highly organised Commercial Manager to join its Head Office team in Maldon. This is a broad, hands-on role combining buying, supplier management, commercial analysis, product development and marketing coordination.
Working at the heart of the business, you will play a key role in supporting and developing Sterling’s supplier base, driving value for members, and managing key commercial initiatives including promotions, pricing, own-label development and sales analysis. This position would suit a commercially minded buyer or commercial manager with strong foodservice experience who enjoys variety, autonomy and building long-term relationships.
About Sterling Supergroup: Sterling Supergroup Ltd is a not-for-profit, true members’ co-operative, supporting 35 independent wholesale foodservice businesses across the UK and Ireland. All members are family-owned and operated, and the group exists to deliver value, scale, and support through collaborative buying, own-label ranges and supplier partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supplier & Buying Management
- Meet, evaluate and onboard new suppliers in line with commercial strategy
- Negotiate pricing, trading terms, promotional support and contracts
- Manage and monitor supplier performance, ensuring service, quality and value standards are met
- Attend monthly buying meetings, including discussions relating to own-label contracts
- Source and introduce new products aligned with market trends, member needs and brand objectives
- Lead the development, negotiation and ongoing management of Sterling’s Caterers Essentials own-label range
- Liaise closely with suppliers throughout product development and lifecycle
- Conduct product sample testing and quality checks to ensure compliance and consistency
- Analyse historical sales data to identify trends, risks and growth opportunities
- Support informed commercial decision-making through accurate reporting and insight
- Update pricing information on a weekly basis, ensuring accuracy and consistency
- Plan, manage and execute promotional activity to drive volume and visibility
- Coordinate with marketing and advertising partners to support promotions
- Produce a weekly newsletter to keep members and stakeholders informed of promotions, product updates and key commercial messages
- Visit member businesses and supplier partners to strengthen relationships
- Act as a key commercial point of contact between the Group, suppliers and members
- Identify new opportunities to add value for members through improved ranges, pricing or promotions
About You:
- Experience & Knowledge
- Proven experience in a buyer or commercial role, ideally within foodservice or wholesale
- Strong knowledge of the foodservice sector is essential
- Experience working with suppliers, negotiating terms and managing product ranges
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
- Strong analytical ability with keen attention to detail
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Confident communicator, comfortable working with suppliers and members at all levels
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Salary & Benefits:
- Salary up to £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- Benefits package in line with a permanent head office role
- Opportunity to work within a supportive, not-for-profit co-operative
- Long-term role with scope to influence product ranges and commercial strategy
Additional Information:
- Travel: Monthly travel to members and suppliers will be required
- Education: GCSE or equivalent (required)
- Experience: Minimum 4 years’ foodservice experience (required)
Locations
Commercial Manager - Foodservice in Essex, Maldon employer: Sterling Supergroup Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sterling Supergroup Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Foodservice in Essex, Maldon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Sterling Supergroup and their values, especially their focus on collaboration and support for independent businesses. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get the inside scoop on the company culture and what they look for in a Commercial Manager. Plus, it’s a great way to make connections that could help you stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your past experiences in foodservice and how they relate to the role. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed suppliers, negotiated terms, or driven sales growth – this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Foodservice in Essex, Maldon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your foodservice experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to Sterling Supergroup!
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. Share specific examples of your past experiences in buying and supplier management that align with what Sterling is looking for.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves commercial analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical abilities. Mention any tools or methods you’ve used to analyse sales data and how you've applied those insights in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sterling Supergroup Ltd
✨Know Your Foodservice Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the foodservice sector. Understand current trends, key players, and challenges in the industry. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Whether it's pricing, contracts, or supplier management, be ready to discuss how you achieved favourable outcomes. This is crucial for a Commercial Manager role!
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves commercial analysis, be prepared to talk about how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring along any relevant reports or insights you've generated to showcase your analytical skills.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've built and maintained relationships with suppliers and stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how these relationships have benefited your previous employers, as this is key for the role at Sterling Supergroup.