Commercial / Trading manager – Fresh Produce

Company: Zest Food Jobs
Apply for the Commercial / Trading manager – Fresh Produce
Location: West Midlands
Job Description:

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

  • Build strong, performance-driven supplier relationships

  • Coordinate supply programmes aligned to trading strategy

  • Monitor quality, availability and commercial performance

  • Contribute to category growth initiatives

  • 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

  • Support working capital control and debtor management


What We’re Looking For



  • 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

  • Confident working with pricing, costings and financial data

  • 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.

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Posted: October 25th, 2026