Senior Meat Trader

• Melbourne
• Package: $180,000 – $200,000 basic + superannuation (400k OTE)

Salt is supporting a well-established, international protein and food commodity trading business with over 50 years of global market history. Operating across domestic and international markets, the business supplies high-quality meat and protein products to retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and foodservice channels worldwide.

Backed by an experienced trading headquarters overseas and a growing presence in Melbourne, this hire will join as the third core team member in the local office. Supported by a 150+ global customer network and deep trading infrastructure (moving up to 10 containers per week), this role provides a genuine platform for high earnings and commercially autonomous portfolio growth.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of both domestic and export meat trading across Australia.

This is a fast-paced, highly autonomous role for a commercial trader who thrives on running their own portfolio with entrepreneurial discipline. Rather than heavy cold-calling BD, your primary focus will be driving transaction frequency, re-engaging established and dormant accounts across Australia and export destinations, and maximising margin performance across a rolling 8-12 week trading cycle.

Key Responsibilities

Trading & Commercial Execution

• Execute profitable domestic and export trading activities across meat and protein categories (with a strong focus on frozen pork and chilled beef).
• Focus primarily on sales, account trading, and transaction volume rather than primary procurement.
• Coordinate supply availability with customer demand within a 8-12 week rolling cycle to optimise margin outcomes.
• Monitor product supply, market pricing trends, and international trade opportunities.

Account Management & Portfolio Growth

• Re-engage and reactivate an established database of ~150 global and domestic customers who have previously traded with the business.
• Rebuild market presence in regions with reduced recent activity and expand share of wallet within core accounts.
• Support commercial negotiations, contract execution, and ongoing customer relationships across retail, wholesale, and processing sectors.
• Manage claims resolution, customer delivery coordination, and operational requirements alongside internal logistics and operations teams.

Key Success Metrics & Targets

• Revenue Generation: Expectation to build toward generating ~$700,000 per week in volume.
• Margin Performance: Target average gross margin of ~7.5%, aiming for ~$35,000 in weekly gross margin (with high performers generating $50,000+ per week).
• Operational Volume: Capitalise on substantial existing supply chain capacity (capable of moving up to 10 containers weekly; profitability baseline requires ~2 containers weekly).

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Industry Expertise: Proven background in meat trading, export meat sales, protein trading, or food commodity trading. Direct experience with frozen pork, chilled beef, or export channels will be highly regarded.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of product margin optimisation, rolling trading cycles, and transactional sales velocity.
• Account Reactivation Capabilities: Track record of managing key accounts, building rapport, and re-engaging commercial buyers across wholesale, manufacturing, and retail markets.
• Mindset & Style: Highly competitive, fast-paced, and energetic with an entrepreneurial approach to managing your own desk.
• Autonomy: Ability to operate independently with confidence while collaborating seamlessly with an off-site leadership team.
• Location & Mobility: Based in Melbourne (strongly preferred) or based elsewhere in Australia with a commitment to spend several days in Melbourne approximately every fortnight. Willingness to undertake domestic travel as required.

What’s on Offer

• Remuneration: Base salary of $180,000 – $200,000 (flexible depending on experience) + performance incentives yielding ~$400,000 OTE.
• Comprehensive Onboarding: Structured 3-month onboarding and training program (delivered in-person, including training in Auckland and side-by-side support from the senior leadership team in Melbourne).
• Market Presence: Backed by 50+ years of international trading stability, established credit lines, and proven supply infrastructure.
• Autonomy & Access: High degree of independence with direct, friction-free access to the Managing Director.
• Career Growth: Long-term career trajectory within an expanding Australian operation backed by a global network.

Interested in joining a team where you can make a real impact? Apply today.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, contact Simon on +61 438 275 551.

Salt acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia as the continuing custodians of country and culture. We pay our respects to all First Nations Australians and their Elders past and present.