Fresh Produce Trading Lead

Zest; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest is seeking a driven Fresh Produce specialist to join its fast-paced commercial trading team. You will own buying, selling, pricing and margin delivery across wholesale, foodservice, export and independent channels, shaping commercial direction in a market-led environment.

With 2-3+ years in fresh produce or short shelf-life FMCG, you will build supplier and customer partnerships, manage stock risk, and deliver growth across multiple channels.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate reporting on trading activity and margin.
• Participate in weekly performance reviews.
• Conduct regular customer engagement and support working capital control.

Skills

Trading instincts

Commercial judgement

Wholesale/foodservice experience

Pricing & costings

Job description

Zest is seeking a driven Fresh Produce specialist to join its fast-paced commercial trading team. You will own buying, selling, pricing and margin delivery across wholesale, foodservice, export and independent channels, shaping commercial direction in a market-led environment.

With 2-3+ years in fresh produce or short shelf-life FMCG, you will build supplier and customer partnerships, manage stock risk, and deliver growth across multiple channels.