Export Manager – Food Manufacturing

Department: Commercial

Reporting to: Commercial Manager

Location: Nairobi with travel across East Africa

Type of Employment: Permanent

Brief on Client

Our client is an established company in food manufacturing that has been in existence for over 30 years. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Export Strategy: Develop comprehensive export strategies for the respective export markets aligned with the company's overall objectives. Identify new regional markets and opportunities for growth while ensuring optimal utilization of resources.

• Market Research: Conduct market research to understand market consumption trends, opportunity sizing for the categories we are playing in, consumer and customer habits, competitor activities, and market micro and macro analysis. Utilize data-driven insights to make informed business decisions and stay ahead in the regional market.

• Sales Management: Oversee all aspects of regional export sales, including negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms with clients. Collaborate with the sales team to set targets, monitor performance, and ensure the achievement of revenue goals.

• Forecasting: Lead customer order forecasting and alignment with the production planning team to ensure deliveries within the aligned SLAs.

• Customer and Channel activations: Developing and executing customer activations across different channels that are informed by the right data so as to maximize on the business investment.

• Go to Market Strategies: Evaluate each market individually and build effective go to market strategies that give value to both the organization and our distribution partners while making sure the product is reaching the customers at the best state.

• Customer Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients within the region. Provide exceptional customer service, address inquiries, and resolve issues to enhance customer satisfaction.

• Logistics and Supply Chain: Coordinate export logistics and ensure timely delivery of products to regional destinations. Collaborate with the logistics team to optimize transportation, minimize costs, and enhance efficiency.

• Compliance and Documentation: Ensure compliance with regional trade regulations, customs requirements, and quality standards. Manage all export documentation, including licenses, permits, and certificates.

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and motivate the export team to achieve individual and

• collective goals. Foster a positive work environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and professional growth.

• Financial Analysis and Export OPEX Management: Monitor export-related expenses, budgets, and profitability within the region. Implement cost-effective strategies while maintaining high product quality and service standards.

• Risk Management: Identify potential risks in export operations and implement measures to mitigate them. Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and maintain business continuity.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, international business, or marketing.

• 5 years plus proven export sales experience in FMCG, with proven success in launching business in new markets.

• Demonstrable experience developing and executing sales plans built on targeted strategies.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Experience in project management.

• Strong knowledge of export and customs legislation.

• Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze economic environments and business opportunities in a systematic and detailed manner.