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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 £43,000 with a great benefits package and career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional development.
- 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 43000 - 43000 £ 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.
Based at Head Office in Maldon, Essex, Sterling works closely with both members and suppliers to deliver competitive pricing, high-quality products and strong commercial support across the foodservice sector.
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
- Product Sourcing & Development
- 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
- Commercial & Sales Analysis
- 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
- Promotions & Marketing Coordination
- 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
- Relationship & Business Development
- 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
- 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 up to £43,000 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
- Travel: Monthly travel to members and suppliers will be required
- Education: GCSE or equivalent (required)
- Experience: Minimum 4 years’ foodservice experience (required)
This role is being exclusively filled by FMCG Exec. All direct applicants and third-party introductions will be managed through us. No third-party agencies should contact Sterling Supergroup Ltd directly regarding this vacancy.
Commercial Manager - Wholesale Foodservice in 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 - Wholesale Foodservice in Maldon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the foodservice industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Commercial Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Sterling Supergroup and their suppliers. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in supplier management and product development.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly through our website. Express your interest in the Commercial Manager position and highlight your relevant experience in foodservice. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills! Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive commercial decisions in previous roles. Being able to discuss your insights into sales trends and pricing strategies will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Wholesale Foodservice in Maldon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in foodservice 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 achievements in supplier management or commercial analysis that align with what Sterling is looking for.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of 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 will highlight your ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
✨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 examples of how you've identified trends or opportunities through sales data analysis, and be ready to discuss your analytical approach.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've developed strong relationships with suppliers and team members in the past. Be ready to share specific instances where your relationship-building skills have led to successful outcomes. This is crucial for a role that focuses on collaboration and partnership.