Head of Exports

The Head of Exports is the Group’s leader for the development, performance and profitable growth of its exports division. The role is accountable for creating and executing the global export strategy, building sustainable markets and strategic relationships, and delivering profitable growth across fresh produce, prepared foods and value-added products. The senior role will form part of the group’s leadership team reporting into the MD. EXPERIENCE REQUIREDThe ideal candidate will have:15+ years’ senior commercial experience, preferably within fresh produce, food, FMCG, retail or international food trading.10 years international export experience preferably in Fresh Produce.Demonstrated responsibility for substantial P&L.Proven experience growing an international business.Experience dealing directly with major retailers and international customers.Strong procurement and grower base relationship establishment as well as supply-chain understanding.Experience in fresh produce and/or prepared/value-added food products.International contract and commercial negotiation experience.Experience managing geographically dispersed teams.Strong understanding of international logistics and cold-chain supply.Demonstrated ability to build new markets from the ground up.Experience in both commodity and value-added fresh produce would be highly advantageous. QUALIFICATIONSA relevant tertiary qualification in one or more of the following would be advantageous:Business ManagementCommerceInternational TradeSupply Chain ManagementAgricultureFood ScienceMarketingAn MBA or equivalent senior-management qualification would be advantageous but is not essential where the candidate has substantial demonstrated commercial experience.COMPETENCIES· Strategic and commercial judgement· Entrepreneurial, disciplined growth leadership· International negotiation and relationship management· Financial, analytical and risk capability· Cross-cultural team leadership· Innovation and execution· Resilience, adaptability and ethical accountability STRATEGY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT· Develop and execute global export strategy.· Prioritise markets, customers, categories and routes to market across the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and other approved territories.· Build sustainable export platforms, strategic partnerships and a qualified customer pipeline rather than relying on opportunistic trading. P&L AND COMMERCIAL LEADERSHIP· Lead the export P&L and deliver sustainable revenue, gross profit, contribution and EBITDA growth.· Own pricing strategy, product costing, tenders, trading terms, annual planning, forecasts and commercial negotiations.· Manage customer and product profitability, cost-to-serve, working capital, logistics cost, foreign-exchange exposure and bad-debt risk with Finance. CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERSHIPS· Develop and manage strategic relationships with international retailers, foodservice groups, wholesalers, importers, distributors, buying organisations and partners.· Negotiate at senior executive level and convert opportunities into durable, profitable relationships.· Use trade shows, buyer forums and international events as structured business-development platforms. SUPPLY, PRODUCTS AND BRANDS· Build competitive, resilient sourcing strategies with Procurement, Agriculture, growers and suppliers, including multi-region and contingency supply.· Align export demand with seasonality, production capability, quality and supply availability.· Develop differentiated portfolios across fresh produce, prepared and convenience foods, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products, meal components and other approved value-added categories.· Lead international commercial positioning of Fresh To Go, Royal Africa and other approved brands, including packaging, presentations, marketing and strategically appropriate private-label opportunities. LOGISTICS, COMPLIANCE AND SERVICE· Provide strategic oversight of shipping, air and road freight, cold chain, ports, documentation, customs, market access and delivery.· Develop cost-effective supply models and logistics partnerships.· Drive order fulfilment, supply reliability, quality, service levels and reduction of claims and rejections. TEAM AND GROUP LEADERSHIP· Lead the export organisation and relevant UK and Zimbabwe operations where formally assigned.· Build accountable, high-performance cross-border teams through clear objectives, recruitment, performance management, talent development and succession planning.· Contribute actively to strategy, capital allocation, risk, investments, organisational development, new business and long-term growth.