Export Sales Manager

Export Sales Manager

Lir Chocolates - Zertus UK &Ireland 

Lir Chocolates is proud to be the export engine behind some of the most iconic confectionery brands, including Baileys, Guinness, NOMO, and our own Lir creations. As part of the Zertus Group, we’re on a mission to bring premium chocolates to chocolate lovers around the globe. We’re looking for a strategic and commercially savvy Export Sales Manager to drive our international growth and build lasting relationships with distributors and retailers worldwide.

Position type: Full time, permanent

Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday

Benefits: Competitive salary plus bonus

Location: Lir Chocolates, Navan, County Meath, Ireland & hybrid working & international travel

• Deliver budgeted sales and margin targets across key export markets.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with distributors and partners.
• Develop and execute export market plans in collaboration with the Head of Sales, Marketing and NPD.
• Secure commercial terms that drive profitability and long-term success.
• Work with NPD and Category teams to bring exciting new products to market.

• Proven success in FMCG export sales, a bonus if you're experience is in confectionery or seasonal categories.
• Experience selling branded goods into international markets.
• Strong P&L ownership, negotiation skills, and strategic account planning.
• A track record of NPD collaboration, JBP implementation, and CPI negotiation.
• Dynamic, tenacious, and commercially astute.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Be part of a growing global business with premium brands and exciting momentum.
• Work in a supportive, agile team where your ideas and impact matter.
• Enjoy a role that blends strategy, travel, and relationship-building.
• Help shape the future of Irish chocolate on the world stage.
• Annual bonus plan up to 10% of annual salary per year, subject to meeting criteria.
• 24 days annual leave plus public holidays (increasing to 25 days in 2026).
• Hybrid working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Death In Service Benefit .
• Company Pension Plan at 1.5%.
• Annual engagement calendar, volunteering days and wellbeing initiatives.
• Monthly employee recognition scheme via the ‘Zertus Values Awards’
• Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards.
• Training and Development Opportunities (Leadership courses, External qualifications, Professional memberships).

At Lir, we stand as a forefront provider of premium chocolates to prominent retailers globally. Our ethos revolves around creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Operating from two cutting-edge manufacturing plants in Navan, County Meath, we are dedicated to the art and enchantment of crafting hand-finished and hand-decorated chocolates based on both traditional recipes and gloriously unfamiliar new combinations. 

Lir Chocolates are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Our Recruitment team will review your submission as part of the selection process. If your application is shortlisted, you’ll be contacted by phone or email—please remember to check your junk or spam folders just in case. If successful, your application will be forwarded to the hiring manager for further consideration. You’ll then be invited to take part in a two-stage interview process.