Commercial Manager (Fruit)

Fmk consulting; Folkestone; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Fmk consulting in Kent is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead key customer relationships, drive profitable category growth, and align with procurement, supply chain, technical and operations teams. The role offers exposure to strategy development and high-impact commercial activity.

You will travel within the UK and internationally, build strong retailer relationships and provide insightful reports on sales, margins and volumes. A background in fresh produce is preferred.

Qualifications

• Previous commercial or account management experience within Fresh Produce.
• Strong retail customer management experience.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to manage customer expectations while delivering profitable growth.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret commercial data.
• Excellent forecasting, planning and organisational skills.
• Confidence working cross-functionally with multiple departments.
• A proactive approach with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to work effectively within a fast-paced commercial environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop key customer accounts within the fresh produce sector.
• Build strong commercial relationships with customers, growers and suppliers.
• Deliver market-leading category management and commercial insight.
• Work collaboratively across procurement, supply chain, technical and operations teams.
• Produce accurate weekly sales forecasts and longer-term volume planning.
• Monitor market trends, consumer behaviour and competitor activity.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, product quality and supply chain efficiencies.
• Ensure outstanding customer service levels are consistently achieved.
• Support profitable business growth across existing and new opportunities.
• Prepare and present sales, pricing, margin and volume reports when required.
• Contribute towards the development and promotion of product categories.

Skills

Account management

Retail customer management

Negotiation

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication & presentation

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Manager to join a leading UK fresh produce importer.

This is a key commercial role within a well-established business that supplies many of the UK’s leading retailers, foodservice operators, processors and wholesale customers.

Working alongside the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for managing and developing key customer relationships, driving profitable category growth, and ensuring exceptional service levels across your accounts. This role offers the opportunity to influence commercial strategy while working closely with procurement, supply chain, technical and operations teams.

If you are commercially driven, thrive in a fast-paced fresh produce environment and enjoy building long-term customer relationships, this could be the ideal next step in your career.

About the Business

Our client is a highly respected importer and supplier within the UK fresh produce industry, with an outstanding reputation for quality, service and innovation.

The business has experienced significant growth since its formation and has built long-standing relationships with both UK retailers and international growers. With a strong focus on food safety, sustainability and continuous improvement, the company is recognised as one of the industry’s leading suppliers and continues to invest in its people and future growth.

The Role

Reporting into the senior commercial team, you will take ownership of key retail customer relationships while developing commercially beneficial partnerships throughout the supply chain.

• Manage and develop key customer accounts within the fresh produce sector.
• Build strong commercial relationships with customers, growers and suppliers.
• Deliver market-leading category management and commercial insight.
• Work collaboratively across procurement, supply chain, technical and operations teams.
• Produce accurate weekly sales forecasts and longer-term volume planning.
• Monitor market trends, consumer behaviour and competitor activity.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, product quality and supply chain efficiencies.
• Ensure outstanding customer service levels are consistently achieved.
• Support profitable business growth across existing and new opportunities.
• Prepare and present sales, pricing, margin and volume reports when required.
• Contribute towards the development and promotion of product categories.
• Travel within the UK and internationally as required.

About You

We are looking for an experienced commercial professional with a strong background in the Fresh Produce industry.

• Previous commercial or account management experience within Fresh Produce.
• Strong retail customer management experience.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to manage customer expectations while delivering profitable growth.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret commercial data.
• Excellent forecasting, planning and organisational skills.
• Confidence working cross-functionally with multiple departments.
• A proactive approach with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to work effectively within a fast-paced commercial environment.

Additional Information

• Office-based role in Kent.
• Own transport is essential due to the office location.
• Some UK and international travel will be required