Head of Sales Export

The organisation

Our client is a Dutch family-owned company with a strong international orientation. The organisation designs, develops and manufactures high-quality technical systems, and operates in over 100 countries through a combination of direct sales, agents and distribution partners. 

The company is currently implementing a new commercial strategy. Central to this strategy is the further professionalisation of the international sales organisation and a clear focus on selected export markets with high potential. 

To support this ambition, we are looking for a Head of Sales Export. This redefined leadership role will be instrumental in shaping the export function, providing strategic direction, and building the organisational foundation for scalable international growth. 

The position

The primary objective of this role is to build a more structured and scalable export organisation that supports both short-term sales performance and long-term international growth. A key focus will be on developing selected regions through targeted market entry, partner optimisation and improved account management. The role also involves building and guiding a high-performing export team, creating clarity in roles and responsibilities, and embedding a results-oriented, data-driven way of working.

Tasks & responsibilities

In this role, you will develop and execute a forward-looking export strategy aligned with the broader commercial objectives of the organisation. You will introduce clear processes, reporting lines and market prioritisation based on data and potential.

You will identify opportunities in both existing and new markets, create business cases to support expansion, and focus on building long-term partnerships through a refined partner programme. You will steer your team based on clear KPIs, support them in their commercial development and act as a sparring partner for internal departments and international stakeholders.

While providing leadership, you are also expected to be hands-on when needed, visiting clients, closing deals and acting as a representative of the brand. 

Candidate profile

We are looking for someone who brings the following:

• academic working and thinking level (bachelor’s or master’s degree); 
• at least ten years of relevant experience in international sales, with a minimum of five years in a leadership role focused on export;
• proven experience developing and implementing successful export strategies;
• skilled in managing international teams remotely;
• background in technical B2B environments or OEM business is a plus;
• experience working in a family-owned business or SME environment is an advantage;
• strong analytical capabilities and comfortable working with KPIs and data-driven decisions;
• fluent in Dutch and English; additional language skills (e.g. French, Spanish, Portuguese) are an asset;
• a strong, credible personality with natural authority, capable of moving between strategic vision and operational execution;
• willingness to travel internationally up to 40% of the time.

Interested?

You are invited to apply for this position by following the link below.

There will be several interview rounds with discussion partners at Lodiers & Partners (week 36 and 37) and with our client (week 39). A personality questionnaire (Lumina) is part of this procedure.

For more information or to apply, you can contact Mirjam Jager by phone at 06 – 15 86 08 72.