Commercial Manager

Zest Food Jobs is looking for a Commercial Manager

Job description

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 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


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.


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.

Extra information

Status
Open
Education Level
Secondary School
Location
Greater London
Type of Contract
Full-time jobs
Published at
01-03-2026
Profession type
Sales
Full UK/EU driving license preferred
No
Car Preferred
No
Must be eligible to work in the EU
No
Cover Letter Required
No
Languages
English

Sales Jobs | Full-time jobs | Secondary School

Apply directly

Share this vacancy