LIVEKINDLY Collective was founded on the belief that plant-based alternatives are key to a sustainable global food system. As a collective of established brands from across the globe, supported by our own production facilities enabling us to deliver private label and export products as well as ingredients to other plant-based companies, LKC is uniquely positioned to maximize impact. We provide consumers around the world delicious food through our portfolio of plant-based brands, LikeMeat, Fry’s, Oumph!, No Meat, Dutch Weed Burger, and Alpha. With our innovative products sold in more than 40 countries, LKC is on a mission to make plant-based eating the new norm. To learn more, visit www.thelivekindlyco.com.
Position Summary:
The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing new commercial opportunities across export and emerging markets for Fry's. This role requires a dynamic, results-driven individual with strong FMCG or food industry experience, capable of building new partnerships, managing distributors, and opening new routes to market to deliver significant volume growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Market & New Business Development:
Identify and evaluate new markets, channels and customers for Fry’s, Like and or private Label products out of Pinetown Factory.
Develop and execute market entry strategies tailored to regional dynamics.
Build and manage relationships with distributors, retailers, food service partners and industrial buyers.
Negotiate and close new contracts that drive factory volume growth and profitability.
Sales & Strategy Execution:
Develop Sales and distribution strategies.
Negotiate and manage contracts with distributors, retailers, and key accounts.
Achieve sales targets for volume, revenue and margin.
Collaborate with marketing, commercial and supply chain teams to support route to market plans, pricing models, and promotional activities.
Market Intelligence and Analysis
Conduct market research to identify trends, competitive activity, and white-space opportunities.
Use insights to shape business proposals and provide regular reporting on pipeline, and market feedback to management.
Relationship & Partner Management:
Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors, retailers, and key customer partners.
Act as the primary point of contact for international customers, ensuring exceptional service and support.
Work closely with internal stakeholders (Factory, R&D, Marketing & Category teams, Supply Chain, Commercial and Finance) to deliver collaboration, service and executional excellence.
Represent the brands at trade shows, expos, and international industry events to grow visibility and partnerships.
Compliance & Governance:
Ensure adherence to local regulations, import/export requirements, and company standards.
Reporting & Insights:
Provide regular performance reports, market insights, and recommendations to leadership.
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related field (MBA advantageous).
Minimum 5 - 8 years’ experience in export sales, new business development, or FMCG account management.
Proven track record of driving growth in emerging markets, developing new markets or channels.
Strong commercial negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work independently and travel extensively.
Key Attributes:
Entrepreneurial and self-motivated with a strong growth mindset
Strategic thinker who can also execute, hands on!
Excellent communicator, and relationship builder.
Strong commercial acumen.
Cultural awareness and adaptability in diverse markets.
Resilient, results-driven, and highly organized.
Passionate about sustainability, innovation and the plant-based food movement.
What We Offer:
The opportunity to shape and grow a globally respected plant-based brand.
Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
Collaborative, purpose-driven company culture.
The chance to make a meaningful impact on a more sustainable food future.