Import & Export Director

b Overview /b p In this role you will own and drive the commercial strategy for the Middle East APAC region, focusing on fast-growing beverage markets. You will build distribution, retail partnerships and a capable team to deliver sustainable growth for a global soft drinks business. You’ll negotiate partnerships, open doors with key trade partners, and lead execution across markets while collaborating with cross-functional functions. This is an entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership opportunity in a high-impact, fast-growing brand with regional scale. You will directly shape GTM, profitability and long-term market share in MEA and APAC. /p b Pay / Benefits /b ul li competitive salary and performance-based bonuses /li li travel allowances and expenses /li li professional development opportunities /li li collaborative and supportive culture /li li fast-growing brand /li li opportunities for career growth /li /ul b Responsibilities /b ul li Develop and own the MEA commercial growth strategy with ambitious sales, distribution and profitability targets /li li Lead growth in priority states by identifying key customers, channels, territories and opportunities /li li Design and optimize route-to-market (distributor, wholesale, direct, and DSD) /li li Identify, appoint, and manage distribution partners with clear plans and performance metrics /li li Cultivate on-premises and off-premises relationships to secure listings, distribution and partnerships /li li Negotiate with major retailers and customers, leading joint business plans to accelerate growth /li li Own sales forecasting, budgets and commercial performance including revenue, margins and trade investment /li li Provide market intelligence and commercial insights to shape strategy across MEA/APAC /li li Collaborate with global leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure scaled execution /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Significant commercial experience in MEA beverage markets within US water, soft drinks or FMCG /li li Track record of growing sales, distribution and market share in the US or similar markets /li li Strong network with distributors, wholesalers, retailers and trade partners in MEA/US /li li Deep understanding of route-to-market models including distributors, wholesale, direct sales and DSD /li li Entrepreneurial, hands-on leader who builds strategy and executes in-market /li li Experience leading high-performing sales teams with ownership of budgets and margins /li li Strategic thinker who translates long-term growth into clear, actionable priorities /li /ul ul li entrepreneurial mindset /li li strong stakeholder management /li li commercial leadership /li li route-to-market optimization /li li sales forecasting and budgeting /li li market intelligence and competitive analysis /li /ul