VP, Commercial and Operations

Our client is a leading food solutions provider in the Middle East, specializing in the production of high-quality starches, glucose, and sweeteners. The company serves various industries, including food, beverage, and industrial sectors, with a focus on providing reliable and sustainable ingredient solutions.

Job title: VP, Commercial and Operations
Reporting to: President

Job Purpose: To oversee commercial activities and operations to drive revenue growth, ensure operational efficiency, and support the company's leadership in producing high-quality starch and sweetener products in the GCC region.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and Business Growth:
   • Develop and execute long-term strategies for local and export sales to drive revenue growth and market expansion.
   • Oversee market analysis and steer product positioning for both local and export markets.
   • Drive initiatives that enhance the company's brand and competitive advantage across all market segments.
2. Financial and Commercial Accountability:
   • Oversee the P&L for local sales, export sales, marketing, and customer service, ensuring that financial targets are achieved.
   • Lead budget planning and resource allocation for commercial operations.
   • Align pricing strategies for both local and export markets to optimize profitability.
3. Local Sales Strategy:
   • Lead the development of the local sales strategy to grow market share within the GCC region.
   • Set and monitor local sales performance targets, ensuring the team meets or exceeds revenue goals.
   • Optimize local sales channels to meet customer demands and enhance customer engagement.
4. Export Sales Strategy:
   • Oversee the export sales function, focusing on market penetration and expanding the company's presence internationally.
   • Develop export sales targets and strategies tailored to international markets.
   • Ensure compliance with international trade regulations and foster partnerships in export markets.
5. Marketing and Customer Service:
   • Lead marketing initiatives, including advertising and promotional campaigns, to build brand recognition and loyalty.
   • Oversee customer service operations to ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
   • Develop strategies to enhance customer experience and ensure retention across local and export markets.
6. Reporting and Performance Monitoring:
   • Ensure timely and accurate reporting of sales, marketing, and customer service performance, segmented by local and export.
   • Monitor progress using key performance indicators (KPIs) and guide data-driven decisions.
   • Provide regular updates to senior management on commercial operations.
7. People Leadership and Organizational Development:
   • Lead, mentor, and manage local and export sales teams, as well as marketing and customer service departments, ensuring high performance and accountability.
   • Implement talent development programs and succession planning to strengthen the commercial team.
   • Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-driven culture.

Operating Environment:
Primarily office-based with regular interaction with customers, senior management, and other departments. The role also involves visiting production facilities and customer sites within the GCC region.

Communication & Working Relationships:
Internal:
Directly reports to the President.
Coordinates with production, quality assurance, and finance teams to align commercial and operational goals.
Oversees the entire Commercial Operations Department.
External:
Regularly interacts with existing and potential customers in the GCC region.
Engages with governmental agencies and regulatory bodies as needed.

Decision Making:
Authorized to make decisions on:
• Formulating commercial strategies, pricing policies, and discount structures.
• Approving advertising, promotional campaigns, and customer solutions.
• Allocating resources and overseeing budget expenditure within commercial operations.
• Approving special discount arrangements for key clients based on sales volume projections.
Joint decisions with senior management on:
• Strategic partnerships, new product launches, and expansion into new markets.

Qualifications:
• A Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Marketing.

Experience:
• 12-15 years of experience in a senior commercial or operational role, preferably within the food production or FMCG sectors.
• Proven track record in leading commercial teams and driving revenue growth.

Skills:
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• Deep understanding of the GCC market and its regulatory environment.
• Strong customer relationship management and business development skills.
• Proficiency in using CRM and business performance management software.

To apply, please send your CV to: info@adam-recruitment.com
Subject: VP, Commercial and Operations