Project Director, Emerging Markets

Job description

Description

The Project Leader, Emerging Markets (PLEM) is responsible for leading the end-to-end launch of Hana Brands into new retail markets outside the United States, and then directly leading in-market operations for the first 6-12 months following launch. The position builds each new market's operation from the ground up: hiring and managing all country-specific staff needed to support the launch and ongoing operations, selecting and managing all vendors and third-party support required to launch develop and maintain operations in the new Country. Ability to influence and negotiate providing guidance and oversight to internal teams, locally hired staff, and third-party partners. This position is based in Dallas, TX or another city served by a major international airline hub, given the frequency of international travel required.

Key Competencies

International Market Expansion, Project and Program Management, Staffing and Talent Acquisition, Vendor and Third-Party Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Financial Acumen and Data/Analytics, Retail Operations Knowledge, Influence and Negotiation, Change Management, Planning and Priority Setting, Communication and People Leadership

Description

The Project Leader, Emerging Markets (PLEM) is responsible for leading the end-to-end launch of Hana Brands into new retail markets outside the United States, and then directly leading in-market operations for the first 6-12 months following launch. The position builds each new market's operation from the ground up: hiring and managing all country-specific staff needed to support the launch and ongoing operations, selecting and managing all vendors and third-party support required to launch develop and maintain operations in the new Country. Ability to influence and negotiate providing guidance and oversight to internal teams, locally hired staff, and third-party partners. This position is based in Dallas, TX or another city served by a major international airline hub, given the frequency of international travel required.

Key Competencies

International Market Expansion, Project and Program Management, Staffing and Talent Acquisition, Vendor and Third-Party Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Financial Acumen and Data/Analytics, Retail Operations Knowledge, Influence and Negotiation, Change Management, Planning and Priority Setting, Communication and People Leadership

Duties & Responsibilities

Leads end-to-end project management for the launch of Hana Brands into new international markets, from initial opportunity assessment through go-live, then directly leads in-market operations for at least the first 6-12 months following launch

Builds and manages detailed launch project plans, timelines, budgets, and milestones across all market-entry work streams

Owns day-to-day operating performance of the new market throughout the post-launch operating period, including sales, cost, and service execution

Hires, onboards, and manages all country-specific staff required to support the launch and ongoing operations of each new market

Partners with HR to define local staffing plans, employment requirements, and hiring timelines ahead of each launch

Builds the local team from the ground up and manages performance, development, and accountability throughout the operating period

Selects, contracts, and manages all vendors and third-party partners required to launch and maintain operations in each new country

Owns vendor and third-party performance, contract compliance, and cost management for the duration of the launch and operating period

Owns the implementation and ongoing integrity of production, food safety, and store operational standards across each new market

Ensures food safety protocols and corporate production standards are established and consistently applied, with zero compromise

Drives proper execution of corporate standards through direct management of local staff and third-party vendors

Partners cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, Product, Marketing, IT and HR to stand up new-market operating capability, ensuring full compliance with applicable local and regional regulations

Translates company international growth strategy into actionable launch and operating plans, while proactively identifying market-level risks and gaps and bringing forward data-backed recommendations for leadership review

Serves as the primary voice of launch and in-market operations to senior leadership, continuously surfacing opportunities and risks throughout the launch and operating period

Leads, develops, and holds locally hired staff and vendor partners accountable to corporate standards, performance, and professional growth

Conducts regular in-market visits to assess execution, identify gaps, and provide structured coaching and feedback

Enforces corporate policies and procedures while fostering a culture of ownership and accountability across the local team and vendor network

This job posting describes the general duties and responsibilities for the position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

10+ years’ relevant experience within the food production industry/retail execution, including international market entry, expansion, or project leadership, and a 4 year degree in business or related field to include managerial responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects from strategy through execution, ideally including international or new-market launches

Demonstrated experience hiring, building, and managing multi-functional teams from the ground up, including in new or emerging markets

Demonstrated experience selecting, negotiating with, and managing third-party vendors and service providers

Ability to create a data driven, execution strategy aligned to the commercial strategy and executing goals to ensure financial and strategic success

Understanding of retail strategy and execution across multiple environments and channels

Must have proven leadership skills in conjunction with analysis, problem solving, and innovation skills

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills in English

Ability to use a computer and Microsoft Suite and other business related programs to drive the business

Must be based in Dallas, TX or in a city served by a major international airline hub

Flexibility to travel 50-75% during the first 6-12 months of each market launch, with travel expectations adjusting as the market stabilizes

Strong grasp of Hana Brands standards, mission and core values

Compensation is negotiable and will be determined based on the candidate, their experience, and fit for the role

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including on retail floors, kiosk locations, or field environments.

Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ability to bend, reach, squat, and use hands and arms to handle materials, tools, or equipment.

Ability to work in environments that may include temperature variations, noise, and production activity typical of food manufacturing or field operations.

Ability to perform repetitive motions and maintain physical stamina required for frequent international travel and daily operational activities.

Ability to travel by car, air, and other means of transportation as required to meet business and customer needs, including extended international and overnight travel, as required by business.

Hana Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Worksite address

irving, TX, 75084, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.