Job Description:
The Market Development Director will be responsible for driving the strategic growth of the company’s market presence by identifying new market opportunities, expanding existing market segments, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. This role will also focus on building and maintaining strong connections with foreign directors and international investors to support the company's expansion efforts. The Market Development Director will be required to work flexible hours to align with different time zones, ensuring smooth communication with global partners. Additionally, the role requires basic IT knowledge to assist with the integration of technology solutions and basic accounting knowledge or experience in handling accounting software to support the financial aspects of market expansion and business operations. This position requires a strategic thinker, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to lead market expansion both locally and internationally.
Roles and Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Market Planning:
Develop and execute comprehensive market development strategies to expand the company’s presence in both local and international markets.
Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and competitor behaviors within the food and beverage industry to identify new business opportunities.
Lead market research initiatives to assess consumer behavior and market demands for new food products, menu offerings, or services.
2. Business Development:
Identify and evaluate new business opportunities in various food and beverage segments, such as catering, new restaurant openings, partnerships with suppliers, and innovative product lines.
Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, such as suppliers, distributors, and restaurant partners, to enhance market reach.
Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop targeted marketing strategies for launching new food products or services.
3. Market Expansion:
Oversee the strategy and execution for expanding into new regions, both domestically and internationally, for restaurant chains, catering services, or other food-related ventures.
Lead the launch of new outlets, product offerings, or food experiences that align with evolving customer preferences in the food and beverage market.
Work closely with operational teams to ensure successful implementation of market entry strategies and smooth integration with local and international teams.
4. Team Leadership and Collaboration:
Lead and mentor a team of market development professionals to drive initiatives that focus on market growth and customer engagement.
Ensure alignment between marketing, operations, and product development teams to execute seamless campaigns and initiatives.
Provide clear direction and support to team members to achieve both short-term goals and long-term market expansion objectives.
5. Revenue Generation:
Set and monitor revenue targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure consistent growth across new markets and customer segments.
Develop and implement pricing strategies and promotional campaigns tailored to specific food and beverage market segments to increase customer acquisition and retention.
Work with cross-functional teams to optimize product offerings and boost sales at new outlets or through new service channels.
6. Market Intelligence and Reporting:
Keep up-to-date with trends in the global food and beverage industry, such as changing consumer preferences, dining trends, and health-conscious food options.
Generate detailed reports for senior leadership to assess the effectiveness of market expansion strategies, including ROI and market penetration metrics.
Provide recommendations for new food concepts, menu items, or services that align with customer demands and industry trends.
7. Brand Positioning and Awareness:
Lead efforts to enhance the brand's presence in key markets through creative marketing, PR campaigns, and advertising initiatives.
Ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity across all marketing channels, including digital media, social media, and in-store promotions.
Strengthen brand positioning to appeal to diverse market segments, including health-conscious consumers, food lovers, and local communities.
8. Maintaining Relationships with Foreign Directors and Investors:
Maintain regular communication with foreign directors, ensuring alignment on market development strategies, expansion goals, and operational performance.
Build and maintain strong relationships with international investors to secure financial support for the company’s expansion into new markets and outlets.
Work flexible hours to accommodate time zone differences, ensuring smooth communication with foreign stakeholders, investors, and directors for timely decision-making and approvals.
9. Basic IT Knowledge and Technical Growth:
Utilize basic IT knowledge to evaluate and support the company’s technical needs, including digital ordering platforms, POS systems, and customer engagement tools.
Collaborate with the IT department to implement digital solutions that improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experiences.
Stay updated on the latest food industry technologies, such as mobile apps for delivery services, inventory management software, or data analytics tools, to support market expansion and business growth.
10. Basic Accounting Knowledge and Financial Support:
Possess basic knowledge of accounting principles and practices to oversee budgeting and financial planning for market development projects.
Familiarity with accounting software to track expenditures, manage budgets, and ensure effective resource allocation for market expansion.
Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate reporting and monitor financial performance related to market development activities.
11. Budget Management:
Manage budgets for market development initiatives, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support expansion and growth.
Track marketing and operational expenditures for new outlets and market expansion efforts to maximize return on investment (ROI).
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Proven experience in market development, business development, or strategic planning, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, operations, and IT.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills to engage effectively with foreign directors, investors, and external partners.
- Solid understanding of the food and beverage industry, including market trends, customer preferences, and competitor dynamics.
- Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate international time zones and work with global teams.
- Basic IT knowledge, with the ability to understand and work with digital tools, platforms, and technology solutions relevant to the food industry.
- Basic accounting knowledge and experience with accounting software to assist in budget management and financial tracking.
