Commercial Manager

About the role

Fresh People is recruiting a Commercial Manager for a well‑established fresh produce business in Maidstone. You will own specific product categories, work closely with growers, suppliers and retail customers, and drive sales, volume and margin performance across the supply chain.

Key responsibilities

• Manage commercial and procurement activities for assigned categories.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with growers, suppliers and retail customers.
• Deliver agreed sales, volume and margin targets.
• Produce weekly costings and commercial updates for customers.
• Handle price returns to growers and suppliers within agreed timelines.
• Prepare and present end‑of‑season reviews.
• Identify and implement cost‑saving opportunities.
• Introduce improved commercial processes and ways of working.
• Collaborate with supply‑chain, procurement, technical, quality and operations teams to ensure timely, high‑quality product delivery.
• Support joint customer category plans and provide accurate data for forecasting.

Required profile

• Proven commercial, procurement or category‑management experience in fresh produce.
• Experience working with UK retailers, growers or suppliers.
• Strong understanding of seasonal procurement, pricing, margins, volumes and availability.
• Ability to prepare commercial costings and manage supplier or grower returns.

Required skills