Export Director – Global Soft Drinks Business

Location: USA
Salary: Negotiable + Bonus & Package

We’re working with a well-established global soft drinks business with more than 30 years of experience, a strong portfolio of brands, and an exciting opportunity to grow its presence across the US.

They’re now looking for an Export Director to take the lead on the US market — someone who knows the beverage space, has the right relationships, and enjoys building something from the ground up.

This is a hands-on commercial role. You’ll be responsible for shaping the US growth strategy, building the right distribution network, developing key customer relationships and, most importantly, getting the brand into more hands across the country.

What you’ll be doing

• Own the US commercial strategy and deliver ambitious growth across sales, distribution and profitability.
• Identify the states, channels and customers that offer the biggest opportunities and build a clear plan around them.
• Develop the US route-to-market, working across distributors, wholesalers, direct sales and DSD models.
• Build strong partnerships with distributors and hold them accountable to clear sales and growth targets.
• Open doors with major retailers, wholesalers and on- and off-premise customers, building long-term relationships.
• Lead negotiations, listings, ranging, promotions and joint business plans with key accounts.
• Own forecasting, budgets, margins and overall commercial performance for the US market.
• Keep a close eye on competitors, customers and market trends and turn that insight into new opportunities.
• Work closely with global teams across marketing, finance and supply chain to make sure the US operation has what it needs to grow.
• As the business develops, build and lead a strong US commercial team.

What we’re looking for

• Strong experience within the US soft drinks, water or wider beverage/FMCG sector.
• A proven track record of growing brands, sales and distribution in the US.
• An established network across distributors, wholesalers, retailers and key on- and off-premise accounts.
• A strong understanding of US beverage route-to-market models, including distribution, wholesale, direct sales and DSD.
• Someone who is genuinely hands-on — comfortable creating the strategy but equally happy picking up the phone, opening doors and getting out into the market.
• Strong commercial skills across sales, margins, budgets and negotiations.
• Previous experience building or leading teams is a plus.
• A real entrepreneurial mindset with the energy to build and scale a growing brand.

What’s on offer?

• Competitive salary, depending on experience.
• Performance-based bonus.
• Travel allowance and expenses.
• Opportunity to play a key role in growing an established global beverage business in the US.
• Plenty of scope for career development as the US operation grows.
• A collaborative environment with a business that is investing in its next stage of growth.