Commodity Trading Manager

Connect Group PLC; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading newspaper wholesaler in the UK is seeking a Commodity Trading Manager to lead the strategic purchase and sale of recycled materials. The ideal candidate will have proven commercial management experience in the waste and recycling industry, a strong understanding of market dynamics, and exceptional negotiation skills. This role comes with a competitive salary of £60,000 to £65,000 plus benefits, including a £5,688 car allowance and company bonus.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

4x salary life assurance

5% matched pension

Health cash plan

25 days holiday

Training and development opportunities

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Proven commercial management experience in the waste and recycling industry.
• Strong understanding of recycled commodity grades, values, and market dynamics.
• Knowledge of Transfrontier Shipment regulations and Incoterms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a differentiated commodity trading proposition.
• Drive commodity trading aligned with business strategy and growth objectives.
• Lead commercial negotiations and trading of relevant recycled materials.

Skills

Commercial management experience

Negotiation skills

Relationship-building skills

Understanding of market dynamics

Autonomous working

Job description

£60,000 to £65,000 per annum plus £5,688 per annum car allowance, bonus and benefits.

Our reputation as the UK’s largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler speaks for itself. Every day, we serve more than 22,400 customers from 33 distribution centres across the country. Behind every nightly miracle is a team of dedicated people carrying out more roles than you realise – we’re the unseen force that delivers. So when we say we’re excited for what the future holds for our customers and colleagues, you can trust we’re as good as our word.

The Commodity Trading Manager will lead the strategic purchase and sale of recycled materials, acting with initiative to deliver trading activity aligned with Smiths News Recycle’s growth and diversification strategy. This role requires a strong commercial mindset to identify and capitalise on evolving trading opportunities, strengthen the Recycle brand, and position the business as a leading recycling partner of choice.

About the role

• Develop and deliver a differentiated commodity trading proposition that aligns with market demand and positions Smiths News Recycle as a partner of choice.
• Drive commodity trading aligned with business strategy and growth objectives.
• Lead commercial negotiations and trading of relevant recycled materials.
• Identify and develop new trading opportunities to support diversification.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and partners.
• Cross functional working will also be an intrinsic part of this role – this will involve interaction with colleagues in Operations, Finance and Recycle functions to align all trading strategies.
• Ensure all trading activity is environmentally compliant, safe, legal, and profitable.
• Support the Recycle vertical in delivering trading value and strategic outcomes.
• Ensure adherence to trading regulations and internal policies.
• Prepare performance reports and present insights to senior leadership.

What we can offer you

Not only do we offer free onsite parking, 4x salary life assurance and 5% match pension but you’ll also have access to:

• £5,688 per annum car allowance
• Company bonus
• Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
• 25 days holiday plus holiday buy scheme
• 24/7 E-Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
• Sharesave Scheme, Cycle to work schemes, Health cash plan
• Private medical insurance
• Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme

About you

• Proven commercial management experience in the waste and recycling industry.
• Strong understanding of recycled commodity grades, values, and market dynamics.
• Knowledge of Transfrontier Shipment (TFS) regulations and Incoterms.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled in influencing internal and external stakeholders through robust partnerships.

Please note: you must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

A career with us is a career filled with people, pride, and passion. We rely on each other to get the job done, and we deliver what we say we will. Let’s see if we can rely on you, too. Apply now.