Sales / BD Manager

Role: Sales/BD Manager

Location: TBC

About the Company: Our client is a long-term investment and operating group that acquires established businesses and supports them through operational improvement, leadership development, and strategic growth. They take a hands-on, values-driven approach to building strong, enduring companies rather than focusing on short-term exits.

The organisation is currently assembling a high-performing leadership team for a large agribusiness undergoing divestment and transformation. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact role and help shape the future direction of a major industry player.

About the Role: We are seeking a high-caliber Business Development Manager with a proven track record in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry to spearhead our expansion within the EMEA region, with a specific strategic focus on Egypt and Belgium.

The ideal candidate will possess the cultural agility to navigate the emerging market dynamics of North Africa while simultaneously managing the sophisticated, quality-driven requirements of the Western European market.

Key Responsibilities:

● Market Penetration & Growth: Identify and secure new business opportunities in the Egyptian and Belgian F&B sectors, focusing on distributors, retailers, and industrial food service providers.

● Strategic Account Management: Lead high-level negotiations and contract management, ensuring favourable terms while maintaining brand integrity.

● On-the-Ground Presence: Conduct regular site visits to manufacturing facilities, retail outlets, and distribution hubs to understand local challenges and consumer behaviour.

● Cross-Regional Strategy: Develop tailored go-to-market strategies that account for the unique regulatory environments:

● Egypt: Focus on scale, supply chain resilience, and price-point optimisation.

● Belgium: Focus on premiumization, EU compliance, and sustainability trends.

● Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary bridge between international supply chain teams and local regional partners to ensure product freshness and regulatory adherence.

Required

● Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a Sales or Business Development role within the F&B industry.

● Geographical Expertise: Proven experience working within the EMEA region. Specific knowledge of Egyptian trade customs and the Belgian retail landscape is highly preferred.

● Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the F&B value chain, including cold chain logistics, shelf-life management, and international trade regulations.

● Communication: Exceptional negotiation skills. Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in French/Dutch (Belgium) or Arabic (Egypt) is a significant advantage.

● Relationship Building: A feet-on-the-street mindset with the ability to build trust across diverse cultural business environments.

● Experience in the food and beverage industry.

Nice to have

● Manufacturing,Frozen/cold-chain, or distribution environment