BD/Commercial Director - Syria Market Entry - Consumer

Regional conglomerate with a successful FMCG manufacturing business, one the leaders in their space.

Reporting to the CEO, this person will be responsible for;

• Lead market re-entry strategy for Syria, defining and delivering a robust go-to-market and RTM model aligned with the Group's long term objectives.
• Develop and execute the distribution strategy, including partner selection, contract structures, territory coverage and channel prioritisation across traditional trade, modern trade and wholesale.
• Build and manage strategic local partnerships, negotiating distributor and sub-distributor agreements while ensuring compliance with local regulations and group governance standards.
• Drive commercial planning and revenue strategy, setting realistic market entry targets, phasing growth and managing risk in a complex operating environment.
• Establish frameworks, ensuring all commercial activities comply with Syrian laws, international trade regulations, sanctions frameworks
• Act as the primary commercial interface for Syria, coordinating with internal stakeholders across supply chain, finance, legal and regional leadership.
• Assess and develop business development opportunities, including potential investments, joint ventures and strategic alliances that strengthen long-term market presence (This will be phase 2 of growth in the long run)
• Oversee market intelligence and competitive analysis, tracking pricing, category dynamics, regulatory changes and macroeconomic developments.
• Build foundational operating structures, including processes, reporting cadence and performance KPIs to support sustainable growth.

• Extensive experience in FMCG or large scale consumer businesses, with direct exposure to the Syrian market or responsibility for managing Syria from a regional or international hub.
• Proven track record of setting up or re establishing markets, particularly in complex, high-regulation or post-disruption environments.
• Strong understanding of Syrian commercial, legal and regulatory frameworks, including importation, distribution, pricing and compliance requirements.
• Well-established local network, with credible relationships across distributors, trade partners, advisors and relevant authorities.
• Strategic commercial mindset, capable of balancing long-term market building with near-term revenue priorities and risk management.
• Experience operating with strong governance, comfortable working within multinational compliance structures and reporting standards.
• Demonstrated patience and resilience, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, long lead times and evolving market conditions.
• Commercially astute and opportunity-driven, able to identify and evaluate investment and partnership opportunities beyond core distribution.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills, able to influence internally and externally at senior levels.
• High integrity, sound judgement and discretion, critical for operating in a sensitive and evolving market context.