Sales & Business Development Director - İzmir

About the role

The company is seeking a senior leader to drive global sales and export growth from its İzmir base. The role combines strategic planning, market expansion, and hands‑on management of distributor networks across multiple regions.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the commercial growth strategy for existing export operations.
• Build new customer and distributor networks in America, the UK, Europe and other target markets.
• Negotiate and manage international distributorship agreements, dealer structures and strategic partnerships.
• Design private‑label, retail and B2B channel strategies and oversee their implementation.
• Maintain commercial relationships with chain markets, importers, distributors and industrial customers.
• Set and monitor sales targets, revenue, profitability and market‑share KPIs.
• Lead pricing, margin optimisation and commercial sustainability initiatives.
• Analyse competition, consumer trends and category developments to shape action plans.
• Develop growth maps, entry strategies and go‑to‑market plans for new countries and product groups.
• Conduct feasibility studies of distributor, partner and channel structures.
• Participate in commercial contracts, fairs, trade delegations and sectoral networking.
• Manage new product launches, product positioning, packaging adaptation and brand communication for target markets.

Required profile

• University degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Trade, Marketing or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in the FMCG sector (food, dried fruit, snacks, frozen food, agricultural products, etc.).
• Deep knowledge of export sales processes, international trade dynamics and global customer management.
• Proven experience in managing international distributors and channel development.
• Track record of successful new‑product launches and market entry, including private‑label and retail channels.
• Strategic, growth‑focused mindset with a multidisciplinary approach across sales, marketing and business development.
• Strong negotiation, relationship‑management and commercial communication abilities.
• Experience working with diverse cultures and an advanced level of English.

Required skills