Commercial Trading Manager - Fresh Produce

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.