Head of Market Development – Exports

About the role

As the Market Development Head – Exports for Mars Snacking, you will drive profitable growth across Sub‑Saharan Africa’s export markets. You will partner with distributor partners and internal Mars teams to shape and execute route‑to‑market and commercial strategies that deliver sustainable revenue and profit.

Key responsibilities

• Define and communicate the vision, objectives and commercial strategy to meet annual net sales and profitability targets across export markets.
• Build and nurture collaborative relationships with key distributors and internal functions to ensure flawless operational execution.
• Lead the Demand Review (S&OP) process, evaluate performance, track sales assumptions and produce robust demand plans.
• Negotiate and craft distribution agreements that create win‑win commercial partnerships.
• Prioritise resource allocation across diverse markets to maximise impact and efficiency.

Required profile

• University degree required; MBA or postgraduate qualification in Business Administration preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of sales and commercial experience in the FMCG/CPG sector, with strong background in sales operations and cross‑functional leadership.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen in distributor management, joint planning, contract negotiation and portfolio mix optimisation.
• Proven analytical and planning skills, including experience leading S&OP processes and financial forecasting.
• Action‑oriented leader comfortable with ambiguity and building high‑trust partnerships.

Required skills

What we offer

• Access to a global network of over 130,000 associates guided by Mars’ Five Principles.
• Purpose‑driven culture focused on building a better future.
• Best‑in‑class learning and development from day one, including Mars University.
• Competitive salary, performance‑based bonus and comprehensive benefits package.