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Job Description
International Export Sales Manager – Fresh Fruits & Vegetables (Europe & Strategic Markets)
About the Company
We are a growing international exporter of premium fresh fruits and vegetables, serving customers across Europe and global markets. As part of our growth strategy, we are seeking a highly accomplished International Export Sales Manager to lead market expansion, develop strategic customer relationships, and drive sustainable export growth while maintaining the highest standards of commercial risk management and asset protection.
This position is designed for a commercially driven professional with an established network of importers, wholesalers, distributors, retail chains, and food-service buyers across Europe and other strategic markets.
Target Markets
The successful candidate must have proven commercial experience and active business relationships in two or more of the following markets:
United Kingdom
France
Germany
Netherlands
Norway
Russia
Position Summary
The International Export Sales Manager will be responsible for developing profitable export business, securing long-term customer partnerships, and ensuring that all commercial transactions are conducted within a robust risk management framework.
The role requires a unique combination of sales leadership, market intelligence, customer acquisition expertise, credit-risk assessment, and commercial due diligence.
Candidates must demonstrate a verifiable track record of generating export sales through an existing network of qualified buyers and importers within the fresh produce industry.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Business Development
Develop and execute export sales strategies to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
Leverage an existing network of importers, distributors, wholesalers, supermarket chains, and food-service operators.
Identify and secure new business opportunities across target markets.
Establish long-term strategic partnerships with key customers.
Expand market penetration and increase the company’s international customer base.
Monitor market trends, pricing movements, competitor activities, and customer demand patterns.
Represent the company at international trade exhibitions, industry events, and commercial meetings.
Commercial Leadership
Lead contract negotiations and commercial agreements.
Manage pricing strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining market competitiveness.
Forecast sales volumes and market demand.
Collaborate closely with production, quality assurance, logistics, and supply chain teams to ensure successful order fulfillment.
Maintain a healthy and profitable customer portfolio.
Customer Network Development
The successful candidate must possess:
A proven and active network of decision-makers within importing companies.
Direct access to buyers of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Established relationships with wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and food-service organizations.
Demonstrated ability to convert industry relationships into measurable sales growth.
Preference will be given to candidates who can provide evidence of previous customer acquisition and business generated through their professional network.
Commercial Risk Management & Asset Protection
A core responsibility of this position is safeguarding the company’s financial interests, reputation, and commercial assets.
The Senior International Export Sales Manager will be expected to implement strict customer qualification and risk-control procedures before entering into commercial transactions.
Customer Due Diligence
Verify legal existence and operational legitimacy of prospective customers.
Review company registration documents, VAT registrations, import licenses, and corporate records.
Assess ownership structures and financial stability.
Conduct comprehensive background checks on new customers.
Obtain trade references and supplier references before extending commercial terms.
Evaluate customer creditworthiness and payment capacity.
Credit Risk Management
Recommend appropriate payment structures based on risk assessment.
Establish customer credit limits and exposure controls.
Monitor outstanding receivables and payment performance.
Identify early warning signs of financial distress or payment risk.
Work closely with finance and management teams to minimize bad-debt exposure.
Risk-Control Framework
The successful candidate must have experience implementing international trade safeguards including:
Advance payment arrangements.
Irrevocable Letters of Credit (L/C).
Documentary Collections.
Export Credit Insurance.
Bank Guarantees.
Trade Credit Verification.
Customer Risk Scoring Systems.
Contractual Risk Mitigation Measures.
Fraud Prevention Responsibilities
The Export Manager shall proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with fraudulent importers and unreliable trading partners.
Key warning indicators include:
Inability to verify business registration or ownership.
Requests for unusually large initial orders.
Resistance to secure payment methods.
Frequent changes to banking details.
Lack of verifiable business history.
Refusal to provide commercial references.
Pressure to release shipments before agreed payment conditions are satisfied.
The Export Manager will have authority to recommend suspension, rejection, or modification of commercial terms whenever risks are identified.
Job Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Trade, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or related field.
Minimum 7 years of experience in international export sales.
Minimum 5 years within the fresh fruits and vegetables industry.
Proven track record of successful sales development in European markets.
Strong understanding of international trade regulations and export documentation.
Demonstrated experience in customer due diligence, credit assessment, and commercial risk management.
Excellent negotiation and relationship-management skills.
Fluent English required; additional European languages are advantageous.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The role will be evaluated based on:
Export sales revenue growth.
Gross profit generation.
Number of qualified new customers acquired.
Market expansion achievements.
Customer retention and portfolio quality.
Collection performance and receivables management.
Reduction of bad debts and commercial losses.
Compliance with company risk-management standards.
What We Offer
Competitive executive compensation package.
Performance-based commission structure.
International career growth opportunities.
Dynamic and professional working environment.
Opportunity to play a strategic role in expanding our global fresh produce business.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit:
Updated CV.
Summary of export markets currently served.
Details of existing customer network and industry relationships.
Record of export sales achievements.
References demonstrating experience in international business development and customer portfolio management.
Only candidates with demonstrable fresh produce export experience, established importer relationships, and a strong background in commercial risk management will be considered.