A Liquor Export Specialist is responsible for managing and coordinating the export of alcoholic beverages to international markets. This role involves ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, handling logistics, maintaining relationships with distributors, and expanding market opportunities for liquor brands. This incumbent will institute strategies to maximize profit across the responsible markets through the relevant routes to market.
Key Responsibilities:
- Export Management:
- Oversee the export process from order placement to delivery
- Coordinate with suppliers, distributors, and freight forwarders to ensure smooth shipments
- Monitor inventory levels and plan shipments accordingly
- Ensure robust systems are in place in order to manage the business effectively
- Ensure the development and continuous management and improvement of effective channels and touch-points to the markets and customers
- Effective execution of in-market marketing plans grounded in consumer insights; Management and development of trade marketing elements & concepts
- Effective management of the S&OP process; accurate export forecasting, forecasting monthly sales, advertising and promotional requirement
- Compliance & Documentation:
- Ensure all export activities comply with international trade laws, customs regulations, and alcohol-related restrictions
- Prepare and review shipping documents, including invoices, certificates of origin, and health permits
- Stay updated on evolving regulations in target markets
- Market Expansion & Relationship Management:
- Develop and maintain relationships with international distributors and retailers
- Research new market opportunities and analyze competitive landscapes
- Work with sales and marketing teams to develop export strategies
- Develop co-operative relationships with manufacturing units as well as other export business units of the Company and Group
- Foster outstanding customer service
- Ensure that the customers/consumers demands are met and relevant business opportunities are explored and implemented
- Determine the strategic direction for the business areas and implement tactical plans to ensure annual sales and profit objectives
- Achievement of sales and profit plans and targets by effective implementation of sales/trading strategies
- Drive innovative programs designed to achieve new business growth, market differentiation and securing a leadership position from an international perspective
- Drive operational efficiency of the business, ensuring transaction costs are minimized and efficiency is maximized through the development of effective value chains
- Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination:
- Arrange transportation and warehousing to optimize costs and efficiency
- Resolve shipping delays, customs issues, and other logistical challenges
- Negotiate with shipping companies and third-party logistics providers
- Financial & Pricing Strategies:
- Assist in pricing strategies based on duties, tariffs, and competitor pricing
- Manage currency exchange considerations and payment terms with international clients
- Track and report sales performance in export markets
Requirements
- Experience in export logistics, preferably in the liquor or beverage industry
- Knowledge of international trade laws, alcohol licensing, and customs procedures
- Ability to work with diverse international partners and adapt to different markets requirements
- 5 Years of liquor related experience in sales, marketing and brand development (wine and spirits)
- Degree in Commerce/Marketing/Finance or similar business related qualification
- A good grounding in key account management and category management
- Experience in developing sustainable businesses throughout primary and secondary routes to market
- Experience in development of trade marketing strategies; brand building and marketing execution essential
- Ability and willingness to do business travel to various African countries
Skills required
- Excellent and professional English verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, planning and organizing skills
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- Good interpersonal skills and strong team player
- Ability to communicate with international clients
- In-depth understanding of international FMCG markets
- Skills in preparing and delivering professional presentations