Business Development & Export Manager

Business Development & Export ManagerAbout HeromeHerome is a premium Dutch hand- and nail-care brand trusted by millions worldwide. For 40+ years we’ve combined Dutch craftsmanship with proven formulas and product innovation. Active in 20+ markets, we scale via distributors, retail partners and selected marketplaces. We are building the next phase of international growth and need a commercial manager to optimise existing markets and take new markets from 0 → live, always protecting brand equity and execution quality.Role purposeAs Business Development & Export Manager you will be responsible for managing distributors in both existing and new markets. You lead full end-to-end market launches, from quick scan and partner selection to onboarding and scale. You will optimise distributor performance, product assortment and channel strategy, and ensure every market entry protects Herome’s premium brand equity while delivering clear commercial results. You will be a trusted partner with Sales, E-commerce & Marketing to convert opportunities into reproducible revenue streams and play a central role in executing Herome’s three-year international growth plan.Key responsibilitiesAs Business Development & Export Manager you are responsible for the commercial success of Herome’s export markets. Your core responsibilities:1. Market & channel strategyDevelop and implement market strategies and business cases for both new and existing markets.Prioritise countries and channels based on ROI, brand fit and operational readiness.Analyse market and competitor trends and translate insights into commercial opportunities and risk mitigations.Define product assortment and pricing policy per market and lead new product launch plans.2. Distributor acquisition & managementIdentify, screen and select potential distributors and retail partners across target regions.Negotiate contracts and commercial agreements with distributors to maximise market presence and revenue growth.Build and maintain strong, long-term partner relationships and act as the primary business contact.Lead distributor onboarding using standardised playbooks and 30/60/90 rollout plans.3. Performance governanceManage commercial incentives and marketing contributions with clear ROI accountability.Monitor partner performance and commercial KPIs and drive improvement plans.Recommends contractual/ commercial adjustments to leadership for approval.4. Trade activation & local executionPlan and coordinate trade promotions, POS and local activations with Marketing; ensure execution meets brand standards.Work with field teams to ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) promotional execution and consistent merchandising.5. Operationalisation & complianceCreate and maintain onboarding playbooks, product registration and local launch checklists.Ensure local regulatory compliance, correct labeling and GDPR-compliant data handling in all markets.Coordinate with Supply Chain to align forecasts, availability and fulfilment for market launches.6. Digital, e-commerce & AI adoptionAssess and decide on relevant marketplace and channel opportunities per market.Acquire and apply practical knowledge of AI-enabled toolsWork with E-commerce and Digital teams to brief channel partners and to ensure online content, A+ content/EBC and marketplace setups align with brand standards.7. ReportingReport regularly on commercial performance, risks and opportunities to the executive team.Align cross-functionally with Sales, E-commerce, Marketing and Supply to ensure market plans are deliverable and profitable.What are we looking for?Minimum 3–5 years’ proven experience in export management, international business development or managing distributor partnerships; cosmetics/beauty experience is a strong advantage.Established distributor & retailer network in relevant territories; ability to open doors from day one. At least one distributor reference strongly preferred.Proven track record of full market launch; from screening to go-live.Strong commercial negotiation skills & financial acumen.Hands-on & proactive: self-starter who drives commercial opportunities and end-to-end execution.Strong stakeholder- and relationship-management skills: works closely with senior leadership and advises on market opportunities and risks (no P&L ownership)Fluent English and Dutch; other languages are a plus.What we offerCompetitive salary + performance-based bonus24 vacation days, 8% holiday allowance, welcome package and training budget.Opportunity to shape and grow our wholesale strategy.Hybrid working, modern tools and a senior role with direct impact on international growth.How to applySend CV and short cover letter to joyce@herome.com with subject: Business Development & Export Manager. Candidates with concrete distributor experience/references will be prioritised.