Job Title: Meat Trader - Beef & Lamb (Distribution Channel)Position Summary
The Meat Trader is responsible for developing and managing profitable sales of beef and lamb products within the distribution channel. This role requires extensive knowledge of meat markets, pricing dynamics, product specifications, sourcing, and customer relationship management. The successful candidate will leverage industry expertise to grow sales with foodservice distributors, wholesalers, processors, and regional distribution partners while maximizing margin opportunities and ensuring customer satisfaction. Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams including marketing, supply chain, demand planning, finance, operations, and procurement.
Key ResponsibilitiesSales & Business Development- Develop and grow sales of beef and lamb products across foodservice distributors, wholesalers, and regional distribution networks.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities while expanding existing customer accounts.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with purchasing managers and decision-makers.
- Achieve and exceed sales, margin, and volume targets.
- Conduct regular customer visits and business reviews to identify growth opportunities.
- Manage contract negotiations, pricing agreements, and supply programs.
Trading & Market Intelligence- Monitor domestic and international beef and lamb market trends, pricing, supply availability, and competitive activity and currency fluctuations.
- Analyze market conditions to identify profitable buying and selling opportunities.
- Develop strategic trading plans to maximize revenue and gross profit.
- Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, livestock markets, and processing sector developments.
- Provide market insights and recommendations to management and customers.
Product & Supply Management- Collaborate with procurement team to coordinate product sourcing activities with suppliers, processors, and import/export partners.
- Manage inventory positions to optimize profitability while meeting customer requirements.
- Ensure product specifications align with customer expectations and market demand.
- Collaborate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely product delivery.
- Monitor product quality, self-life, and compliance with company standards.
Customer Relationship Management- Serve as the primary point of contact for key distribution customers.
- Respond promptly to customer inquiries, pricing requests, and service concerns.
- Develop customized products and pricing solutions to meet customer needs.
- Maintain accurate forecasting and demand planning processes with customer accounts.
- Foster long-term partnerships based on trust, reliability, and market expertise.
Financial & Performance Management- Manage sales pipeline and forecast volumes accurately.
- Monitor profitability by customer, product category, and market segment.
- Prepare and present sales reports, market updates, and business reviews.
- Ensure adherence to company pricing, margin, and credit policies.
- Support annual budgeting and strategic planning initiatives.
QualificationsRequired- 5+ years of experience in meat trading, protein sales, or commodity trading.
- Demonstrated success selling beef and or lamb products into foodservice distribution and wholesale channels.
- Strong understanding of meat fabrication, cuts, grading systems, specifications, and market pricing.
- Proven ability to negotiate pricing, contracts, and supply agreements.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of achieving profitable sales growth.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, CRM systems, and sales reporting tools.
- Familiarity with Power BI Dashboards and ERP workflows to closely monitor and respond to sales, margin and volume KPIs.
Preferred- Experience with imported and domestic beef and lamb products.
- Established network within foodservice distributors, wholesalers, and protein buyers.
- Knowledge of international meat markets and import/export regulations.
- Degree or diploma in Business, Agriculture, Food Science, Supply Chain, or a related field.
Core Competencies- Negotiation & Influencing
- Market Analysis
- Strategic Selling
- Relationship Management
- Supply Chain Coordination
- Commercial Acumen
- Problem Solving
- Financial Analysis
- Forecasting & Planning
- Results Orientation
- Collaboration & Communication
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Sales revenue growth
- Gross margin performance
- Trading profit contribution
- Customer retention and growth
- New account acquisition
- Volume growth by product category
- Forecast accuracy
- Inventory turnover and management
- Customer satisfaction levels
Salary range: $95,000 - $129,000
- Eligible for discretionary bonus
- Competitive employer-paid pension plan upon eligibility
- 100% company paid Medical/Dental/Vision/Basic Life Insurance and Long Term disability benefits
- Costco membership provided upon eligibility
- Employee incentive program for discounted meat purchases
- Free Parking
