As a Market Development Head Exports at Mars, you would be responsible for delivering Export Markets business objectives by partnering closely with distributor partners and internal cross-functional Mars associates to accelerate profitable growth across strategic markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly, you will lead the development and execution of our route-to-market and commercial strategies, aligning growth plans, optimizing distributor relationships, and driving sustainable long-term revenue and profitability.

What are we looking for?

Education: A University Degree is required; an MBA or postgraduate qualification in Business Administration is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 8 years of robust sales and commercial experience within the FMCG/CPG sector, with demonstrated expertise in Sales Operations and cross-functional leadership (line management experience is preferred).

Commercial Acumen: Strong background in distributor management, customer joint planning, contract negotiation, trade terms, and portfolio mix management to deliver mutual, profitable growth.

Analytical & Planning Skills: Experience leading Demand Reviews (S&OP processes), applying financial discipline/judgment, and developing reliable forecasting and sales assumptions.

Leadership Capabilities: An action-oriented, resourceful leader skilled at managing ambiguity, making sound commercial decisions, and building high-trust partnerships.

What would be your key responsibilities?

Develop and communicate the vision, objectives, and commercial strategies to achieve Market Annual Net Sales and Profitability targets across Sub-Saharan Africa export markets.

Champion collaborative relationships with key distributor partners and internal Mars functions to ensure flawless operational execution and alignment.

Lead the Demand Review process, evaluating periodic performance, tracking sales assumptions, and delivering robust demand plans.

Lead the negotiation and crafting of distribution agreements to establish win-win commercial partnerships.

Effectively balance and prioritize resource allocation across diverse markets to maximize market impact and efficiency.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

• Develop and communicate the vision, objectives, and commercial strategies to achieve Market Annual Net Sales and Profitability targets across Sub-Saharan Africa export markets.
• Champion collaborative relationships with key distributor partners and internal Mars functions to ensure flawless operational execution and alignment.
• Lead the Demand Review process, evaluating periodic performance, tracking sales assumptions, and delivering robust demand plans.
• Lead the negotiation and crafting of distribution agreements to establish win-win commercial partnerships.
• Effectively balance and prioritize resource allocation across diverse markets to maximize market impact and efficiency.

• Distributor management
• Customer joint planning
• Contract negotiation
• Trade terms management
• Portfolio mix management
• Demand Reviews (S&OP processes)
• Financial discipline/judgment
• Forecasting and sales assumptions development
• Managing ambiguity
• Commercial decision making
• Building high-trust partnerships

• University Degree required
• MBA or postgraduate qualification in Business Administration preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of robust sales and commercial experience within the FMCG/CPG sector
• Demonstrated expertise in Sales Operations
• Cross-functional leadership experience
• Line management experience preferred