Do you enjoy taking responsibility and like working in a small team?
Do you have an interest in Irish Food, Drink and Horticulture?
Are you looking to make a difference in what you do and have the relevant experience?
Then you've come to the right place.
Overseas Market Manager, China
Shanghai
Reports To: Regional Manager, Global Business Development
Grade: OSMM
New Entrants to the Public Sector commence on the first point of the relevant salary scale
Purpose
Bord Bia has a vision that customers around the globe recognise that Irish food and drink is world-class; that it is high quality, distinctive, and made by a diverse range of creative producers from a unique and fortuitous island location.
Our purpose is to bring Ireland’s outstanding food, drink and horticulture to the world, thus enabling growth and sustainability of producers.
In this role, you will manage the execution of Bord Bia’s strategy in market through leading a high performing internal and industry talent team to deliver Bord Bia’s business objectives and nurture a thriving future for the Irish food and drink industry.
What you’ll do
Lead senior engagement with customers in-market, regularly reviewing local customer segmentation and prioritisation, strengthening customer client connections and deliver meetings, opportunities and strategic partnerships in line with KPIs and core strategic priorities. Develop ambitious annual customer plans with a clear vision and business objectives aligned with Bord Bia’s strategy and client plans, while optimising longer term opportunities in re-imagined channels.
Lead engagement and Bord Bia involvement in all relevant Irish Ministerial and government visits to the market(s) demonstrating the impact of Bord Bia’s activities in-market and actively involving Irish government Ministers and Bord Bia’s CEO in top-to-top customer engagement to progress business objectives.
Lead the local team to develop and share timely data-based market and customer insights to inform and influence senior management in Bord Bia and client companies. Integrate key insights in customer presentations and engagement to champion insight-led innovation and business development. Actively build the thought leadership profile of Bord Bia in market by speaking on behalf of Bord Bia at leading industry conferences and seminars.
Build Ireland’s Food Brand credentials in-market, ensuring the voice of the customer, local consumer and shopper shape both the future proofing of Bord Bia’s trust marks and proof points, as well as the content development strategies for all B2B and B2C campaigns (including EU co-funded campaigns). Ensure in-market campaign investments are aligned with industry best practice, demonstrate value for money and smart differentiation to generate greater value for clients and customers.
Lead the development of local annual integrated activity plans, formally reviewing activities against KPIs and influencing the relevant steering groups in the One Bord Bia planning process.
Manage the performance and invest in the competency development of team members by delegating priorities effectively, setting stretch targets, mentoring and coaching to deliver results through a high performing team. Role model corporate values and behaviours to ensure a One Bord Bia mindset through regular, formal and informal PDP and PGP conversations and feedback. Mentor and integrate talent academy students based in your market to ensure the optimum learning experience.
Effectively manage assigned budgets and contribute on a timely basis to internal and board reporting on deliverables and KPIs, in accordance with One Bord Bia processes, procedures and policies, adhering to One Bord Bia operating model.
About You
Essential Knowledge, Skills Capabilities
Knowledge:
5+ years’ experience operating in a marketing, sales or business development role in Ireland or international markets
Experience in strategic insight-led thinking, and corporate representation or public affairs
Leadership experience, cascading corporate vision and goals, while building team talent and competencies
Successful management of high-profile innovative trade and/or consumer marketing campaigns and initiatives
Proven experience of building senior professional relationships with suppliers, trade customers, media government, both in Ireland and the marketplace.
Skills Capabilities:
Digital first mindset, and comfortable with an agile culture focused on continuous improvement
Fluent written and spoken English and proficient written and spoken Chinese.
Excellent communication presentation skills, with strong verbal and report writing ability
Proven ability to manage budgets, talent and managing upwards
Established organisational skills and practical application of project management tools and techniques.
Proficient business use of the full Microsoft Office suite.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills Capabilities
Knowledge:
Degree level qualification or equivalent in a relevant discipline, e.g., Business, Marketing etc.
Experience knowledge of the Irish Food, Drink Horticulture industry
Experience operating professionally in different cultures
Membership of relevant professional bodies
Skills Capabilities:
Influencing and negotiating skills, adapted to the local culture
Experience in the use of Salesforce or equivalent CRM, video conferencing systems and online webinar platforms.
Proven record of working independently in an export market
Fostering an innovative and insight-led team culture, willing to seek out new challenges and opportunities.
Closing Date/Time: Monday, 14 July 2025 @ 10:00am (GMT/UTC +1)
Learn more about working at Bord Bia. Click here!
Bord Bía is an Equal Opportunities Employer: We want to see a society where everyone is equal. We know our foundation must be an equitable workplace that recognises the dignity and worth of everyone and gives all our employees the freedom and opportunity to fulfil their potential: we want for you to be able to bring your whole self to work, so you can be the best you can be and live your purpose whilst developing your career with us. Our talented and diverse workforce also reflects the diversity of our clients, customers and markets by utilising their range of skills, knowledge and experience. Harnessing the wide range of perspectives this diversity brings, promotes innovation and helps make us more creative and competitive.
Bord Bia is committed to ensuring that all recruitment candidates have complete and equitable access as can reasonably be provided. If you require any support or accommodation as part of the recruitment process, please contact us directly at [email protected]
