Business Development Manager, Export Markets

About the company

General Mills has been present in the Middle East for nearly two decades and operates across more than 20 countries. The company is known for trusted brands, a culture that values entrepreneurial drive, and an environment that encourages initiative and cultural awareness. It also emphasizes continuous innovation in its products, its business approach, and the way it serves communities. Some of its well-known brands include Betty Crocker, Nature Valley, Green Giant, Old El Paso, and Haagen-Dazs.

The organization focuses on creating strong employee engagement and building a workplace where learning can happen at any time and from anywhere. It looks for people who want to contribute meaningfully, think boldly, and grow with a collaborative team.

Role overview

The Business Development Manager, Export Markets will be accountable for achieving net sales, margin, and business plan targets across assigned export territories. The position is responsible for leading distributor relationships, spotting profitable growth opportunities, and building market expansion plans that grow General Mills’ brand presence in both existing and new geographies.

This role combines strategic market development with hands-on commercial execution. The selected professional will manage distributor performance, guide forecasting and planning, and work closely with multiple teams to support sustainable, long-term growth across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Create and steer market and distributor strategies for assigned export markets in the Middle East and Africa, with an emphasis on profitable growth, broader geographic reach, and business delivery.
• Manage distributor partnerships and improve performance through clear targets, regular business reviews, and joint planning.
• Prepare and align monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasts for sales, promotions, demand, and financial outcomes with Supply Chain and Finance partners to improve planning accuracy and visibility.
• Spot risks, weaknesses, and growth opportunities in the business plan, then recommend actions that help the team deliver against targets.
• Collaborate with distributors and external agencies to design and execute trade marketing plans that build brand visibility and generate strong return on investment.
• Suggest and apply commercial approaches and tactics that drive growth in current markets and help open new ones.
• Take the lead on opportunities in frontier and emerging markets by ensuring business cases and execution plans are commercially viable and aligned with long-term growth priorities.
• Work in close coordination with Marketing, Shopper, Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to support effective market execution.
• Use consumer and shopper insights to guide commercial decisions and turn market knowledge into practical growth initiatives.

Experience and qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in sales, business development, or commercial functions within a multinational FMCG setting.
• A bachelor’s degree is mandatory; an MBA is preferred.
• Strong exposure to Middle East markets; experience in Africa markets is considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated success in managing distributor-led businesses and delivering results in export or emerging markets.
• Proven ability to build and implement market growth plans with strong commercial and strategic thinking.
• Good understanding of demand planning, financial forecasting, and trade investment management.
• Strong analytical ability, with solid problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing, selling, and negotiation capabilities.
• Clear understanding of customer, category, and route-to-market dynamics.

Who this role suits

This opportunity is best suited to experienced commercial professionals who can manage complex distributor networks, work across functions, and drive profitable expansion in export and emerging markets.

Company purpose

The company aims to make food people love while also being a positive force. It values learning, fresh thinking, and bold ideas, and seeks people who are eager to contribute, challenge assumptions, and grow together.