Export Sales Manager

T-pro; Navan; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading confectionery company is seeking a strategic Export Sales Manager to drive international growth and build lasting relationships with distributors. The ideal candidate will have proven success in FMCG export sales, particularly in the confectionery sector. This full-time role offers competitive salary, an annual bonus plan, and opportunities for hybrid working and international travel, making it an excellent opportunity for a commercially savvy professional.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus bonus

24 days annual leave plus public holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Company Pension Plan

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven success in FMCG export sales, preferably in confectionery.
• Experience with branded goods in international markets.
• Strong negotiation and strategic planning abilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver budgeted sales and margin targets across key export markets.
• Build relationships with distributors and partners.
• Develop export market plans with the sales team.

Skills

FMCG export sales

Confectionery experience

P&L ownership

Negotiation skills

Strategic account planning

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Job description

Overview

Lir Chocolates - Zertus UK & Ireland. Lir Chocolates is the export engine behind iconic confectionery brands, including Baileys, Guinness, NOMO, and our own Lir creations. As part of the Zertus Group, we’re on a mission to bring premium chocolates to chocolate lovers around the globe. We’re looking for a strategic and commercially savvy Export Sales Manager to drive our international growth and build lasting relationships with distributors and retailers worldwide.

Position and location

Position type: Full time, permanent.

Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday.

Location: Lir Chocolates, Navan, County Meath, Ireland. Hybrid working and international travel.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus bonus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver budgeted sales and margin targets across key export markets.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with distributors and partners.
• Develop and execute export market plans in collaboration with the Head of Sales, Marketing and NPD.
• Secure commercial terms that drive profitability and long-term success.
• Work with NPD and Category teams to bring exciting new products to market.
• Proven success in FMCG export sales, a bonus if your experience is in confectionery or seasonal categories.
• Experience selling branded goods into international markets.
• Strong P&L ownership, negotiation skills, and strategic account planning.
• A track record of NPD collaboration, JBP implementation, and CPI negotiation.
• Dynamic, tenacious, and commercially astute.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Be part of a growing global business with premium brands and exciting momentum.
• Work in a supportive, agile team where your ideas and impact matter.
• Enjoy a role that blends strategy, travel, and relationship-building.
• Help shape the future of Irish chocolate on the world stage.
• Annual bonus plan up to 10% of annual salary per year, subject to meeting criteria.
• 24 days annual leave plus public holidays (increasing to 25 days in 2026).
• Hybrid working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Death In Service Benefit.
• Company Pension Plan at 1.5%.
• Annual engagement calendar, volunteering days and wellbeing initiatives.
• Monthly employee recognition scheme via the Zertus Values Awards.
• Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards.
• Training and development opportunities (Leadership courses, External qualifications, Professional memberships).

Qualifications

• Proven success in FMCG export sales, with confectionery or seasonal categories a bonus.
• Experience selling branded goods into international markets.
• Strong P&L ownership, negotiation skills, and strategic account planning.
• A track record of NPD collaboration, JBP implementation, and CPI negotiation.
• Dynamic, tenacious, and commercially astute.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Company and culture

Lir Chocolates are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Recruitment process

Our recruitment team will review applications. If shortlisted, you’ll be contacted by phone or email. If successful, your application will be forwarded to the hiring manager for further consideration. You’ll then be invited to take part in a two-stage interview process.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Sales and Business Development

Industries

Food and Beverage Services