INTRODUCTION
Community Foods is a major supplier of dried fruit, soaked fruit, nuts, berries, seeds, and other ingredients to the UK food industry, including a number of well-known market leading brands. With sales continuing to perform very well, the Ingredients division continues to be a major part of the overall Community Foods business and remains one of the largest suppliers of our type of ingredients to the UK market.
THE ROLE
The Trading Assistant will play a key supporting role within the Ingredients Department, helping to manage admin, internal processes, data integrity, and direct interactions with customers. This position offers a blend of administrative, commercial, and customer-facing responsibilities - making it ideal for someone who is eager to learn, has a keen eye for detail, and enjoys working in a fast-paced, product-driven environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Commercial and Contract Management:
o Load purchase and sales business agreements (BAs) into internal systems accurately and on time.
o Monitor and track customer forecasts versus actual orders; highlight discrepancies and assist in planning.
o Track contract timelines and provide proactive alerts when sales contracts are approaching expiry (3-month notice).
o Proactively support traders in preparing and updating customer pricing, volumes, and product data.
Customer Engagement & Sample Management:
o Coordinate customer sample requests, ensuring timely dispatch and proper tracking.
o Help respond to customer queries regarding orders, product availability, and delivery updates.
Performance Monitoring & Margin Review:
o Analyse smaller customer accounts to identify potential areas to improve commercial margins or operational efficiency.
o Contribute to business reviews by compiling sales reports and margin summaries and performance against budget.
Team Support & Process Improvement:
o Assist the trading team with administrative tasks, day-to-day activity, reporting, and coordination with supply chain, logistics, finance, and QA.
o Contribute ideas to improve service and drive additional value from existing customer relationships.
CONFIDENTIALITY
During your employment, you may have access to, see or hear information of a confidential nature relating to customer plans etc. and must not disclose it to other customers unless the information is already in the public domain.
You must not make any disclosure to any unauthorised person or use any confidentialinformation relating to the business affairs, unless expressly authorised to do so by the Company.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills and abilities
* Experience working with customers in a commercial, sales support, or operations environment is desirable.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a confident and professional manner.
* Self-starter with the ability to work independently and prioritise effectively.
* Fast learner with a genuine interest in products, markets, and food ingredients.
* Team player with a hands-on, can-do attitude.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Commercially curious, analytical, and keen to develop a career in trading.
Good Working Knowledge / Experience of
* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word (required).
* Experience with SAP and Reflex or similar ERP systems (preferred).
* Understanding of sales admin, trading documentation, or FMCG supply chains is desirable
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £27,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person