The Export Sales Director is responsible for the global management, performance, and development of the brand’s distributor network. The role owns the export business end-to-end, from distributor strategy and performance management to partner selection, contract negotiation, and long-term market development.
With a strong commercial and strategic focus, the Export Sales Director is expected to unlock growth in existing markets by reassessing distributor fit and performance, while also expanding into new markets where a distributor model is the most effective route to scale, taking into account local compliance, tax, and operational constraints.
The role plays a critical part in shaping the brand’s global footprint and ensuring consistent execution of its positioning across international markets.
Key Responsibilities Own and manage the global distributor network across all export markets
Act as the primary point of contact for distributors, ensuring structured, professional, and consistent relationships
Define and monitor distributor KPIs (revenue, distribution, brand execution, inventory, compliance)
Lead regular performance reviews, including revenue reporting, forecasting, and action plans
Ensure timely and accurate distributor invoicing in coordination with Finance
2. Joint Business Planning & Market Development Develop and manage annual and multi-year Joint Business Plans (JBPs) with distributors
Align local market strategies with the brand’s global positioning, image, and commercial priorities
Define distribution strategies by market (channels, doors, assortment, pricing)
Identify opportunities to accelerate growth through improved execution, footprint expansion, or strategic refocus
Identify markets where the current distributor setup is underperforming or misaligned with the brand’s ambition
Lead distributor replacement processes, particularly in Asia and Australia, including market assessment and partner exit strategies
Proactively identify and evaluate new distributor partners in existing or new markets
Build robust business cases and 3-year development plans for new partnerships
Assess partner capabilities across commercial, operational, financial, and brand criteria
Lead negotiations on commercial terms, cost structures, and contractual frameworks
Define and agree pricing architecture, margins, marketing contributions, and investment levels
Ensure contracts support sustainable, profitable growth for both parties
Work closely with Legal and Finance to ensure compliance and risk management
5. Market Entry Strategy & Business Model Adaptation Identify new market opportunities where a distributor model is the most effective route to entry
Adapt the export business model to local regulatory, tax, and compliance requirements
Define go-to-market strategies for new countries, including timing, scale, and investment level
Support operational setup in new markets (logistics, compliance, onboarding)
6. Cross-Functional Leadership & Internal Alignment Act as the export business lead internally, coordinating closely with:
Marketing
Supply Chain & Operations
Finance & Legal
Ensure internal teams are aligned on market priorities, forecasts, and execution constraints
Provide clear visibility on export performance, risks, and opportunities to senior management
7. Strategic Contribution & Growth Agenda Contribute to the definition of the brand’s international growth strategy
Continuously assess market potential, competitive landscape, and distributor effectiveness
Proactively propose strategic initiatives to scale export revenue and improve profitability
Build a scalable export framework to support long-term growth
Core Competencies & Skills Commercial & Strategic Strong experience managing international distributors in a B2B or brand-led environment
Proven ability to scale export or international business across multiple regions
Strong strategic thinking with hands‑on execution capability
Excellent financial and business case acumen
Negotiation & Partnership Management Proven track record of negotiating complex commercial agreements
Ability to manage difficult conversations, including distributor exits or restructurings
Strong partnership mindset, balancing brand control and local entrepreneurship
International & Market Expertise Deep understanding of international market dynamics, particularly Asia‑Pacific
Experience navigating regulatory, tax, and compliance challenges across markets
Ability to adapt business models to local realities while protecting brand integrity
Leadership & Influence Strong cross‑functional leadership skills without direct line management
Ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders
Structured, clear communicator, both internally and externally
Personal Attributes Highly autonomous and accountable
Results‑driven, with a strong ownership mindset
Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building frameworks from scratch
Culturally agile, with a global mindset
Experience & Education 8–12+ years’ experience in international sales, export, or distributor management
Experience in premium, luxury, or brand‑driven environments preferred
Proven exposure to Asia‑Pacific markets strongly preferred
Fluent English required; additional languages a plus
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