Your new company

Our client is an internationally-known European company which adds value to agricultural commodities to create food products for downstream industries in FMCG Manufacturing. The organisation represents top product quality, optimal services as well as innovative ideas and expertise in terms of product development and services appreciated by our customers around the world, whether global or regional manufacturers.

The Australian business has its production facilities and offices located in close proximity to customers on the Central Coast, NSW in order to be able to ensure maximum freshness and quality. The raw materials are sourced, the fruits are prepared and processed locally, then distributed to their customer base of FMCG Manufacturers and Foodservice customers around ANZ and to distributors in South East Asia.

Your new role

As the Commercial Director of the local business, you will be responsible for the Sales, Marketing, New Product Development and Customer Service functions of the business.

The sales function consists of a group of talented Key Account Managers who lead the relationships with each of the company's customers - mostly FMCG Manufacturers who specialise in dairy products, notably yogurt and icecream. They are very good at managing the transactional nature of those relationships, putting the customer first in what is a fast-paced and at times demanding environment. The role the Commercial Director will play in their development is a mentoring one, assisting them elevate toward more strategic relationships.

The Sales team works closely with the Marketing and New Product Development teams. While they are a B2B supplier to the FMCG manufacturing industry, the team develop strategies in conjunction with their clients based on shopper buying data and insights - to help develop bespoke new products - either new ranges and flavours in existing SKUs, or exploring new opportunities in other categories. Whilst the strength in Australia is Fruit to Dairy, opportunities exist to supply more produce to other categories, like bakeries, and a broader range of raw ingredients like sugar and starch that the global business operates in elsewhere across the globe.

The Commercial Director is part of the Senior Executive Team of the organisation, reporting to the General Manager, who reports directly through to the Global CEO.

What you'll need to succeed

Experience working in an aligned industry is useful - either as a B2B supplier of food produce, ingredients or raw materials to manufacturers in the FMCG Industry, or working in a leadership role for an FMCG business directly supplying to retailers.

However, candidates from other industry backgrounds will be considered, if you can bring to light parallels from your experience that are transferable, and exhibit the right behaviours and ability to learn a new industry.

The right behaviours include:

• Driven by accountability

• Entrepreneurial

• Diligent and hard-working

• Passion for mentoring

• Strong at multitasking and prioritising in a fast-paced environment

• Engage with all levels of stakeholders

• Competent in a high-pressure environment, but do not take yourself seriously

If you feel your skill set is transferable, and you fit these behaviours, we would still like to hear from you.

What you'll get in return

The opportunity to join a highly reputable global business, with an excellent and loyal customer base in our region, who have ambitions for growth locally and across the APAC region, in their executive leadership team.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

LHS 297508