About the job Commercial Manager - Fresh Produce
Commercial Manager – Fresh Produce (Non‑Retail Channels)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Site‑based with travel to customers
About the Company
Our client is a well‑established UK fresh produce business supplying high‑quality fruit and vegetables to wholesalers, foodservice operators and independent customers nationwide. Company work closely with growers and suppliers across the UK and overseas, operating in a fast‑paced, margin‑sensitive environment. With a strong focus on service, product quality and long‑term partnerships, the business continues to expand its non‑retail footprint.
The Opportunity
A fantastic opening has arisen for an experienced Commercial Manager with a strong trading instinct and background in fresh produce or short shelf‑life FMCG. This role focuses on driving profitable growth across non‑retail channels — wholesale, foodservice, independent customers and export.
You'll take ownership of buying, selling, margin delivery and customer development, while building strong supplier and grower relationships.
Key Responsibilities
1. Trading & Margin Ownership
* Actively buy and sell fresh produce across designated categories
* Make daily pricing and trading decisions aligned with market conditions
* Protect and grow gross margin performance
* Manage stock exposure and minimise waste risk
* Balance supply and demand in real time
* Develop new business across wholesale, foodservice and independent channels
* Identify opportunities for new products, formats and category expansion
* Strengthen relationships with key non‑retail customers
* Build strong, collaborative relationships with growers and suppliers
* Align supply programmes with trading requirements
* Provide clear feedback on quality, availability and supplier performance
* Support category development initiatives
* Maintain clear visibility of future volumes, pricing and margin
* Work closely with Procurement, operations and Technical teams to manage risk
* Identify market risks such as gluts, shortages or logistics constraints
* Ensure accurate trading records and margin reporting
* Visit customers regularly
* Contribute to weekly trading reviews
* Support working capital discipline and debtor management
Key Requirements
* Strong commercial instinct and hands‑on trading experience
* Background in buying and selling fresh produce or short shelf‑life FMCG
* Experience in wholesale and/or foodservice channels
* Comfortable in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving trading environment
* Numerate and confident with pricing and margin calculations
* Strong analytical and numerical skills
* Existing wholesale or foodservice network
* Experience with exotics, fruit or vegetable categories
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