Commercial Trading Manager
Zest
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.
As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)
Apply Now →
Application opens at the source listing. Free for jobseekers.