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 fieldMinimum 6–8 years of export experience, including at least 3 years within the food & beverage industryProven experience in opening new international markets and acquiring distributors, importers, retail chains, or other B2B customers from scratchActive market experience and preferably an established network in at least one of the following regions: Gulf countries, Far East, United Kingdom, USA, or CanadaStrong knowledge of end-to-end export operations, including Incoterms, letters of credit, export documentation, customs procedures, certificates of origin, health certificates, and international logisticsAdvanced level of written and spoken English, with strong commercial negotiation skillsStrong commercial mindset with the ability to evaluate opportunities based on revenue, margin, payment terms, and business potentialWillingness and flexibility to travel frequentlyAbility to work independently, take ownership, and build processes in an entrepreneurial environmentExperience in premium food, gourmet products, olive oil, wine & spirits, or other value-added consumer products is highly preferredKnowledge of export incentives, Eximbank, Turquality, and international trade support programs is considered an advantageE-export, marketplace, or D2C experience is considered a plusJob Description:Develop and execute the international growth strategy by identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing target marketsDefine 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 channelsIdentify and acquire new international customers, manage initial outreach, samples, quotations, commercial negotiations, and contract processesBuild new markets from scratch and take ownership of converting opportunities into sustainable commercial partnershipsRepresent the company at international trade fairs, customer meetings, and market visits while ensuring structured pre-event planning and post-event follow-upManage key international accounts, annual sales plans, order forecasts, and growth targetsMonitor international competition, pricing, positioning, and margins to ensure sustainable and profitable growthManage export operations end-to-end, including proforma invoices, payment instruments, Incoterms, customs procedures, shipping, documentation, and coordination with forwardersCoordinate production, packaging, labeling, and market-specific product requirements with relevant internal teamsManage payment and collection risks and ensure effective follow-up of international receivablesFollow regulatory and certification requirements across target markets and coordinate the necessary compliance processesManage relevant government incentives and international market-entry support programsPrepare regular export performance reports covering sales pipeline, orders, shipments, collections, market performance, and profitabilityWork closely with company leadership to continuously evaluate market opportunities and drive the long-term growth of the international business