Export Manager

We are looking for an Export Manager to join our partner company!

We are currently recruiting on behalf of our client, an established premium food producer with a strong brand positioning and growing international ambitions.

As the company enters its next stage of international growth, we are seeking an experienced Export Manager who will take full ownership of building and expanding the export business. This is a highly hands-on role covering the entire export lifecycle from identifying priority markets and acquiring new customers to managing commercial negotiations, export operations, logistics, and collections.

This role is not only about managing existing international accounts; it is an entrepreneurial position for someone who has successfully opened new markets from scratch, developed distributor and buyer relationships, and can combine commercial strategy with hands-on execution.

General Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, International Trade, Food Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum 6–8 years of export experience, including at least 3 years within the food & beverage industry

• Proven experience in opening new international markets and acquiring distributors, importers, retail chains, or other B2B customers from scratch

• Active market experience and preferably an established network in at least one of the following regions: Gulf countries, Far East, United Kingdom, USA, or Canada

• Strong knowledge of end-to-end export operations, including Incoterms, letters of credit, export documentation, customs procedures, certificates of origin, health certificates, and international logistics

• Advanced level of written and spoken English, with strong commercial negotiation skills

• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to evaluate opportunities based on revenue, margin, payment terms, and business potential

• Willingness and flexibility to travel frequently

• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and build processes in an entrepreneurial environment

• Experience in premium food, gourmet products, olive oil, wine & spirits, or other value-added consumer products is highly preferred

• Knowledge of export incentives, Eximbank, Turquality, and international trade support programs is considered an advantage

• E-export, marketplace, or D2C experience is considered a plus

Job Description:

• Develop and execute the international growth strategy by identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing target markets

• Define the most suitable market-entry model for each target market, including importers, distributors, premium retail chains, HoReCa partners, private label opportunities, and direct e-export channels

• Identify and acquire new international customers, manage initial outreach, samples, quotations, commercial negotiations, and contract processes

• Build new markets from scratch and take ownership of converting opportunities into sustainable commercial partnerships

• Represent the company at international trade fairs, customer meetings, and market visits while ensuring structured pre-event planning and post-event follow-up

• Manage key international accounts, annual sales plans, order forecasts, and growth targets

• Monitor international competition, pricing, positioning, and margins to ensure sustainable and profitable growth

• Manage export operations end-to-end, including proforma invoices, payment instruments, Incoterms, customs procedures, shipping, documentation, and coordination with forwarders

• Coordinate production, packaging, labeling, and market-specific product requirements with relevant internal teams

• Manage payment and collection risks and ensure effective follow-up of international receivables

• Follow regulatory and certification requirements across target markets and coordinate the necessary compliance processes

• Manage relevant government incentives and international market-entry support programs

• Prepare regular export performance reports covering sales pipeline, orders, shipments, collections, market performance, and profitability

• Work closely with company leadership to continuously evaluate market opportunities and drive the long-term growth of the international business