About the role
This is an excellent opportunity for an established commercial professional to take responsibility for developing and delivering commercial strategy, driving profitable business growth and strengthening relationships with major customers and suppliers.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the commercial direction of the business, leading commercial activities and identifying new opportunities across the UK fresh produce market.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Commercial Strategy & Business Growth
- Develop and implement commercial strategies to drive revenue, profitability and sustainable business growth.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities across retail, wholesale, foodservice and other commercial channels.
- Take responsibility for commercial budgets, sales targets, pricing strategies and profit margins.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements to identify growth opportunities.
- Work closely with senior leadership to support long-term business planning and strategic development.
Customer & Supplier Relationships
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with major UK retailers, wholesalers, foodservice customers and key commercial partners.
- Lead commercial negotiations, contract agreements and customer tenders.
- Build strategic partnerships with UK and international growers, suppliers and importers.
- Ensure high standards of customer service, commercial performance and long-term customer retention.
- Identify opportunities to expand existing customer accounts and develop new product categories.
Commercial Leadership & Performance
- Lead, manage and develop the commercial and sales teams.
- Establish clear performance targets and monitor commercial KPIs.
- Oversee pricing, forecasting, margin management and commercial risk.
- Work closely with procurement, operations, technical and logistics teams to ensure efficient supply chain performance.
- Support product development, category management and new market opportunities.
- Provide regular commercial performance reports and strategic recommendations to senior management.
WHAT'S ON OFFER?
- Competitive senior-level salary, dependent on experience.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
- Company car.
- Additional company benefits.
- Permanent, full-time position.
- Senior leadership responsibility with significant commercial influence.
- Opportunity to drive business growth and contribute to long-term strategic development.
Qualifications & experience
- Significant senior-level commercial management experience within fresh produce, fresh food or a closely related FMCG sector.
- Proven track record of delivering sales growth, improving profitability and managing major commercial accounts.
- Strong understanding of the UK fresh produce market, including retail, wholesale, procurement and supply chain operations.
- Excellent negotiation, strategic planning and commercial decision-making skills.
- Experience managing commercial budgets, financial performance and profit margins.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing commercial teams.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and organisational skills.
- Previous experience as a Commercial Director, Head of Commercial, Sales Director or Senior Commercial Manager.
- Established relationships with major UK retailers, foodservice operators or wholesale customers.
- Experience working with international growers, suppliers and importers.
- Knowledge of fresh produce sourcing, category management and seasonal supply programmes.
- Experience developing new commercial markets and business partnerships.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.
Candidate requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.
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Applying for COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR – FRESH PRODUCE
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