INTERNATIONAL SALES DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Since 1998, Il Granaio delle Idee is a leading company in the research & development, production, and commercialization of natural mixes and improvers for bakery, pastry, and pizza. Our range includes many solutions for the manufacturing of clean-label baked goods. The company is a benchmark for artisans and industries both in Italy and abroad.

To strengthen the company’s presence abroad, we are looking for an International Sales Development Director with the following skills:

1. Education:

- Master's degree in Economics, Food Science, or related fields

- MBA or Master’s in International Business is highly valued

2. Experience:

- Minimum of 10 years of experience in the food sector, with at least 5 years in international commercial leadership roles

- Proven experience in expanding food brands in foreign markets

- Successful track record in developing international commercial strategies

3. Technical Skills:

- Deep knowledge of international food market dynamics, with a focus on the baking sector

- Experience in international negotiations and management of strategic partnerships

- Advanced skills in market analysis, forecasting, and budgeting

- Familiarity with international regulations in the food sector

4. Soft Skills:

- Charismatic leadership and ability to motivate multicultural teams

- Excellent written and oral communication skills

- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

- Adaptability and flexibility in rapidly changing environments

5. Languages:

- Fluent in English and Italian

- Knowledge of other languages (French, German, Spanish, or Asian languages) will be considered a plus

Key Responsibilities:

1. Commercial Strategy:

- Develop and implement the company’s international commercial strategy

- Identify new market opportunities and lead entry into new countries

- Define sales targets and KPIs for each international market

2. Team Management:

- Lead and motivate an international team of Area Managers and sales leaders

- Implement training and development programs for the commercial team

- Work closely with the Marketing, R&D, and Production departments

3. Business Development:

- Establish and manage strategic relationships with international key accounts

- Negotiate contracts and commercial agreements with distributors and international partners

- Represent the company at international trade fairs and industry events

4. Analysis and Reporting:

- Monitor and analyze sales performance in all international markets

- Issue periodic reports for top management and the board of directors

- Identify market trends and propose strategic adjustments

5. Budget Management:

- Define and manage the international commercial budget

- Optimize customer acquisition costs and maximize ROI of commercial activities

6. Innovation:

- Collaborate with the R&D team to identify product innovation opportunities based on international market needs

- Lead the development of new business models and sales channels

7. Compliance:

- Ensure the compliance of commercial activities with local and international standards and regulations

- Implement ethical and sustainable best practices in international commercial operations

Key Objectives:

- Achieve revenue and market share goals in target countries

- Expand the company’s presence in -at least- 5 significant new markets within 3 years

- Increase international customer retention by 20%, year-over-year

- Develop and implement at least 3 strategic international partnerships annually

This profile is a crucial role to lead the international expansion of Il Granaio delle Idee, requiring a combination of industry experience, strategic vision and execution capability in an international context.