Head of Sales - International Markets

QLM Search is partnering with a high growth branded food manufacturer who are looking to appoint a Head of Sales - International Markets.Reporting to the CEO, this newly created position will play a central role in shaping our international strategy, identifying the markets where we can win, and working closely with the wider leadership team to turn that strategy into sustained commercial performance.Our client is looking for someone who brings the best of both worlds: a leader who has been classically trained within a major branded food or FMCG organisation and truly understands what “good” looks like, but who has also proven they can apply that discipline and know-how in more agile, high-growth environments. This combination of structured commercial thinking and entrepreneurial agility is critical for success here.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDefine and deliver a clear international growth strategy, covering all markets outside UKI and North AmericaBuild a strong point of view on where to play and how to win, and ensure this guides decision-making across markets.Identify the right opportunities, channels, and partners to unlock meaningful long-term growth.Developing optimum route to market and category strategies to execute and win in store.Customer & Market DevelopmentBuild and nurture senior relationships with international retailers, distributors, brokers, and strategic partners.Lead negotiations and joint business planning to secure distribution, drive category performance, and deliver commercial results.Stay close to global consumer, category, and market trends, and use these insights to shape our approach.Commercial ExecutionLead rigorous sales planning, forecasting, and performance management across all markets.Establish the right commercial structure as we grow, including distributor networks and future internal resources.Ensure commercial plans deliver profitable, sustainable growth and support broader business objectives.Cross-functional CollaborationWork closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to maintain alignment on priorities, performance, and market developments.Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance to ensure international plans are integrated and executable.Foster strong communication, transparency, and accountability across teams.Candidate ProfileExperienceSenior commercial leadership experience (Sales Director, Commercial Director, Head of Sales) with a track record of leading and delivering international, multi-market growth.Proven success building relationships and delivering results with international retailers and distributors.Strong foundations from a major branded food or FMCG company, with a clear understanding of commercial best practice.Complementary experience in entrepreneurial, high-growth or scale-up environments, demonstrating the ability to work hands-on and make things happen at pace.Experience creating market strategies, opening new markets, and growing distribution and revenue.Strong financial and commercial acumen, including P&L ownership.Capabilities & CompetenciesStrategic thinker who can translate insight and analysis into practical, actionable plans.Excellent relationship builder and negotiator with strong influencing skills.Comfortable moving between strategic work and hands-on execution.Self-driven and highly accountable, while maintaining strong communication and alignment with senior leaders.Personal StyleEntrepreneurial, pragmatic, and resilient.Low-ego leadership style with a strong sense of ownership and accountabilityCollaborative, open communicator who builds trust and alignment quickly.Confident and credible when representing the business externally.Operationally agile, multi-tasker with high action orientationAble to work standalone, sets high standards with a strong focus on delivery