The Company:

Our client is a leading player in the FMCG industry, focused on delivering high-quality date products to markets around the globe. With a commitment to innovation and sustainable practices, we aim to grow our presence in Asia, specifically in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan while maintaining our reputation for excellence.

The Role: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Sales Director to drive the expansion of our dates business across China, India, and broader Asian markets. This role will involve strategic oversight of commodity and premium product lines, diversification of distribution channels, and the optimization of our routes to market. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in sales, marketing, and supply chain management, with a passion for developing profitable and sustainable business practices.

1. Strategic Business Development:

• Develop & implement a comprehensive strategy for growing the dates business in Asia, with a key focus on China, India, Indonesia & Malaysia.
• Identify & assess market opportunities, customer profiles, and key trends in consumer preferences for both commodity & premium date products.

1. Diversification of Distribution Channels:

• Design & execute plans to diversify distribution channels & enhance route-to-market strategies.
• Collaborate with sales teams to build relationships with key distributors, retailers, and e-commerce platforms.

1. Portfolio Management and Profitability:

• Drive profitable selling across the product portfolio by maximizing product mix and optimizing pricing strategies.
• Monitor performance metrics to ensure healthy cash conversion cycles, focusing on minimal working capital and timely collections.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with supply chain, finance, marketing teams to align business objectives & ensure operational efficiency.
• Facilitate communication/coordination between departments to enhance overall performance & execution.

1. Market Insights and Competitive Analysis:

• Conduct regular market analysis to stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences.
• Leverage insights to make data-driven decisions that contribute to market growth & competitive positioning.

1. Leadership and Team Development:

• Lead & mentor a high-performing commercial team focused on achieving ambitious growth targets.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation within the team.  

Skills

The Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; an MBA is preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in commercial strategy, sales, or business development within the food and beverage industry, preferably with a focus on agricultural commodities.
• Proven track record of growing businesses in Asian markets, particularly in China and India.
• Strong understanding of distribution channels and route-to-market strategies in the region.
• Excellent analytical skills & financial acumen to manage cash flow & working capital effectively.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Mandarin or Hindi is a plus.