At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive fresh produce trading, manage pricing, and optimise returns in a dynamic market.
- Company: Established fresh produce business with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Autonomy in decision-making, direct impact on performance, and career acceleration opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to build supplier relationships and expand product listings.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and work closely with the CEO to shape commercial strategies.
- Qualifications: 2-3+ years in fresh produce trading and strong commercial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A super opportunity to join this well established fresh produce business that is looking to recruit a driven, commercially minded Fresh Produce specialist to step into this high-impact, newly created commercial / trading role. If you have experience buying, selling or trading fresh produce - and you thrive in the fast-moving world of fresh - this could be your ideal next role. 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
- Commercial Trading: 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.
- Business Development: 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.
- Supplier & Grower Partnerships: Build strong, performance-driven supplier relationships, coordinate supply programmes aligned to trading strategy, monitor quality, availability and commercial performance, contribute to category growth initiatives.
- Forecasting & Risk Management: Maintain forward visibility on volumes and margin, anticipate volatility, shortages and oversupply risks, work cross-functionally to safeguard service and profitability.
- Commercial Governance: Maintain accurate reporting on trading activity and margin, participate in weekly performance reviews, conduct regular customer engagement, support working capital control and debtor management.
What We're Looking For:
Essential: 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, comfortable operating in fast-paced, margin-driven environments, confident working with pricing, costings and financial data.
Desirable: 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.
Commercial Trading Manager employer: Zest
Join a leading food manufacturing business in Cambridgeshire as a Site Services Engineer - Projects, where you'll be part of a dynamic team focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. Enjoy flexible working hours, a supportive work culture that values hands-on contributions, and opportunities for professional growth within a strategic sustainability programme. With a clear path to a permanent position, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while working in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Trading Manager
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Zest often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Trading Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Zest does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Zest will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Zest.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Zest.
