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- Tasks: Drive buying, selling, and pricing of fresh produce in a dynamic market.
- Company: Established fresh produce business with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Autonomy in decision-making and direct impact on business performance.
- Why this job: Join a high-impact role and shape the future of fresh produce trading.
- Qualifications: 2-3+ years in fresh produce trading with strong commercial judgement.
- Other info: Work closely with the CEO and enjoy excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An established fresh produce business is looking to recruit a driven, commercially minded Fresh Produce professional to step into what will be a high-impact, newly created commercial / trading role. If you have 2–3+ years’ experience buying, selling or trading fresh produce — and you thrive in the fast-moving, margin-led world of fresh — this is a genuine career opportunity.
Working directly with the CEO, you will sit at the heart of the non-retail function with real ownership, real accountability and a clear pathway to accelerate your career. You will take responsibility for buying, selling, pricing and margin delivery across wholesale, foodservice, export and independent channels — shaping commercial direction while operating in a dynamic, market-led environment.
Key Responsibilities- Take ownership of daily buying and selling activity
- Set and adjust pricing in line with live market conditions
- Deliver and protect gross margin performance
- Manage stock risk and short shelf-life exposure
- Align supply with customer demand to optimise returns
- Drive growth across wholesale, foodservice and independent accounts
- Identify and secure new non-retail opportunities
- Expand product listings and introduce commercially viable new formats
- Support export market development where appropriate
- Build strong, performance-driven supplier relationships
- Coordinate supply programmes aligned to trading strategy
- Monitor quality, availability and commercial performance
- Contribute to category growth initiatives
- Maintain forward visibility on volumes and margin
- Anticipate volatility, shortages and oversupply risks
- Work cross-functionally to safeguard service and profitability
- Maintain accurate reporting on trading activity and margin
- Participate in weekly performance reviews
- Support working capital control and debtor management
- 2–3+ years’ experience buying, selling or trading fresh produce (or short shelf-life FMCG)
- Strong commercial judgement and natural trading instinct
- Experience supplying wholesale and/or foodservice customers
- Confident working with pricing, costings and financial data
- Established network within non-retail fresh produce markets
- Experience across fruit, vegetables or specialist categories
- Strong analytical capability
- Willingness to travel when required
You will have the autonomy to make trading decisions, develop new revenue streams and directly impact business performance — while working with the CEO in a growing, ambitious business. If fresh produce is more than just a job — if it’s a market you live and breathe — this opportunity offers the scope to truly make your mark.
Commercial / Trading manager employer: Zest Food Jobs
Contact Detail:
Zest Food Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial / Trading manager
✨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 social media, 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 expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in buying, selling, and trading fresh produce. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth or managed stock risks — it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one looking for a Commercial/Trading Manager. Express your interest and share how your skills align with their needs. It shows initiative and can lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on market trends and developments in the fresh produce sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources on our website to help you sharpen those skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial / Trading manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fresh Produce: When writing your application, let your love for fresh produce shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your connection to the industry and how it drives you. We want to see that this isn’t just a job for you, but a passion.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your 2-3+ years of experience in buying, selling, or trading fresh produce. Use examples that demonstrate your commercial judgement and trading instincts. We’re looking for those standout moments that show you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Be Data-Driven: Since you'll be working with pricing, costings, and financial data, include any relevant analytical skills or tools you've used in your previous roles. We love numbers, so don’t shy away from showcasing how you’ve used data to drive decisions and improve margins.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to take the next step in your career!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Fresh Produce Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh produce, especially the specific categories mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss market trends, pricing strategies, and how you can leverage your experience to drive growth in wholesale and foodservice.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that highlight your strong commercial judgement and trading instincts. Think about times when you've successfully managed stock risk or adjusted pricing based on market conditions. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a margin-led environment.
✨Build a Connection with the CEO's Vision
Since you'll be working directly with the CEO, it's crucial to align your goals with their vision for the company. Research the business and come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to their growth strategy, particularly in expanding non-retail opportunities.
✨Prepare for Performance Metrics Discussion
Be ready to discuss how you've previously monitored trading activity and margin performance. Bring insights into how you can maintain accurate reporting and contribute to weekly performance reviews, as this will show your commitment to commercial governance.