Commercial Manager - Wholesale Foodservice
Location: Head Office – Maldon, Essex
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, On-site
Recruitment Partner: FMCG Exec (on behalf of Sterling Supergroup Ltd)
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum, plus benefits
About the Role
Sterling Supergroup Ltd is seeking an experienced, commercially astute and highly organised Commercial Manager to join its Head Office team in Maldon. This is a broad, hands-on role combining buying, supplier management, commercial analysis, product development and marketing coordination.
Working at the heart of the business, you will play a key role in supporting and developing Sterling’s supplier base, driving value for members, and managing key commercial initiatives including promotions, pricing, own-label development and sales analysis. This position would suit a commercially minded buyer or commercial manager with strong foodservice experience who enjoys variety, autonomy and building long‑term relationships.
About Sterling Supergroup
Sterling Supergroup Ltd is a not‑for‑profit, true members’ co‑operative, supporting 35 independent wholesale foodservice businesses across the UK and Ireland. All members are family-owned and operated, and the group exists to deliver value, scale, and support through collaborative buying, own‑label ranges and supplier partnerships.
Based at Head Office in Maldon, Essex, Sterling works closely with both members and suppliers to deliver competitive pricing, high-quality products and strong commercial support across the foodservice sector.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier & Buying Management
- Meet, evaluate and onboard new suppliers in line with commercial strategy
- Negotiate pricing, trading terms, promotional support and contracts
- Manage and monitor supplier performance, ensuring service, quality and value standards are met
- Attend monthly buying meetings, including discussions relating to own‑label contracts
Product Sourcing & Development
- Source and introduce new products aligned with market trends, member needs and brand objectives
- Lead the development, negotiation and ongoing management of Sterling’s Caterers Essentials own‑label range
- Liaise closely with suppliers throughout product development and lifecycle
- Conduct product sample testing and quality checks to ensure compliance and consistency
Commercial & Sales Analysis
- Analyse historical sales data to identify trends, risks and growth opportunities
- Support informed commercial decision-making through accurate reporting and insight
- Update pricing information on a weekly basis, ensuring accuracy and consistency
Promotions & Marketing Coordination
- Plan, manage and execute promotional activity to drive volume and visibility
- Coordinate with marketing and advertising partners to support promotions
- Produce a weekly newsletter to keep members and stakeholders informed of promotions, product updates and key commercial messages
Relationship & Business Development
- Visit member businesses and supplier partners to strengthen relationships
- Act as a key commercial point of contact between the Group, suppliers and members
- Identify new opportunities to add value for members through improved ranges, pricing or promotions
About You
Experience & Knowledge
- Proven experience in a buyer or commercial role, ideally within foodservice or wholesale
- Strong knowledge of the foodservice sector is essential
- Experience working with suppliers, negotiating terms and managing product ranges
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
- Strong analytical ability with keen attention to detail
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Confident communicator, comfortable working with suppliers and members at all levels
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Salary & Benefits
- Salary up to £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- Benefits package in line with a permanent head office role
- Opportunity to work within a supportive, not‑for‑profit co‑operative
- Long-term role with scope to influence product ranges and commercial strategy
Additional Information
- Travel: Monthly travel to members and suppliers will be required
- Education: GCSE or equivalent (required)
- Experience: Minimum 4 years’ foodservice experience (required)
This role is being exclusively filled by FMCG Exec. All direct applicants and third-party introductions will be managed through us. No third-party agencies should contact Sterling Supergroup Ltd directly regarding this vacancy.