Job Description

Would you like a career in the food industry managing trading B2B?

Do you yearn for a career involving overseas travel?

Do you have a degree?

Can you speak, read, and write Spanish, Polish, Turkish or German?

Midlands Region - Bromsgrove based.

25,000 - 28,000pa

Discretionary Annual Bonus

Company Pension Contribution

Fantastic Career Prospects

Professional training program

Unique Global Travel opportunities

EAP system which includes a 24/7 virtual GP service

Simply Health Cash Plan enrolment

Hybrid working (upon completion of the 2-year training program)

Free on-site car parking and use of a company pool car

First Grade International Ltd is the UK based office for a Singaporean owned business with a reputation as a market leader in food ingredient importing/distribution globally. We are one of Europe's largest traders in coconut products also trading significant volumes of cocoa, chocolate, dried fruit, nuts and dairy free alternatives. We supply the major food manufacturers in the UK and internationally.

We are an ambitious, inclusive, forward-thinking business offering a supportive, friendly, team-orientated culture within an excellent, modern office environment. Our employees are at the heart of the business and in the 2024 employee survey results revealed that over 90% of our employees would recommend First Grade as a good place to work with 0% intending to leave in the next 2 years. We like to celebrate achievements and milestones and hold regular company events.

We are seeking a Graduate Trainee Business Development Executive to enhance our team, support, develop and promote the range of ingredients we supply to customers. This is an excellent career opportunity, comprising a two-year training and development program designed specifically to enable you to acquire the skills required to develop in the role. The company's long-term vision for you is progression within the corporate structure. Successful completion of the training would culminate initially into a trading role supporting the senior traders across the various product categories. The role would involve both UK and overseas travel, sourcing ingredients, liaising with UK and International customers.

Initially you will be office based full-time for the 2-year training period and once this is completed the ability to work hybrid (3 days in the office and 2 days working from home) will be an option for as long as the company supports hybrid working. The training development and responsibilities will include a grounding knowledge of the business including customer communication, global logistics, monitoring product forecasts, processing contracts, tracking commodity pricing and liaising with overseas suppliers.

You will have:

A Degree or equivalent level qualification

A minimum of 5 GCSEs grades A- C including Math, English and Science, 3 A Levels grade A- C or a Level 3 equivalent qualifications

Strong organisational and interpersonal skills

A high standard of verbal and written communication

A working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Excel and PowerPoint

A full UK driving license is required or confirmation that you are working towards attaining one

The ability to communicate in Spanish, Polish, Turkish or German

You should send your CV, including details of your current remuneration, to:

Christina Haskoll, HR Manager, First Grade International Ltd, by email to Chaskoll@fg-int.co.uk by latest 22/08/25.

Interviews will be held on 08/09/25. If you have received no contact by 28/08/25 we will not be progressing your application further. We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Strictly no agencies please.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Graduate

Pay: 25,000.00-28,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme
Benefits:

Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Excel and PowerPoint
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Language:

Spanish, Turkish, Polish or German. (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:

25% (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 22/08/2025
Reference ID: Graduate Trainee Business Development Executive - July 2025
Expected start date: 06/10/2025