Business Development Manager

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The HeadHunter Group is an innovative Staffing and Recruiting Company with HQ in Dover, Delaware, USA, operating in Canada, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Cyprus, Greece, and Bulgaria.

On behalf of our client, a well-established regional beverage company operating in the premium spirits segment, we are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to lead brand and commercial development across Serbia and selected regional markets (Adriatic & SEE).

This is a strategic, high-impact role combining business development, brand strategy, portfolio management, and cross-market coordination. The successful candidate will act as a key business partner to senior management, driving sustainable growth, brand positioning, and execution excellence across multiple markets.

Position Overview

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for defining and executing the regional development strategy for a premium spirits portfolio, with a strong focus on brand building, route-to-market optimization, pricing architecture, and commercial performance.

The role is based in Belgrade, with frequent travel across regional markets, and involves close collaboration with local market teams, distributors, and central functions.

Key Responsibilities

Regional Strategy & Brand Development

• Define, propose, and implement the regional strategic direction for assigned brands across the full marketing mix: Product, Price, Promotion, and Distribution.
• Lead the category and brand strategy in alignment with overall regional business objectives.
• Translate regional strategy into actionable local market plans, ensuring consistency while allowing for local market adaptation.

Market & Portfolio Leadership

• Act as the regional brand owner, identifying market gaps, growth opportunities, and cross-market synergies.
• Monitor brand performance and category dynamics, proactively adjusting strategies based on market insights and data.
• Provide strategic recommendations to improve brand positioning, portfolio structure, pricing ladders, and communication platforms.

Commercial & Business Development

• Identify and drive Business Development Initiatives (BDIs) to accelerate growth and profitability.
• Work closely with Sales teams and distributors to optimize distribution coverage, activation quality, and commercial execution.
• Support market expansion initiatives and new product introductions across the region.

Budget & Performance Management

• Manage and steer central and local A&P budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and ROI optimization.
• Own the recharge and governance process related to marketing investments.
• Define KPIs and monitor performance against agreed objectives.

Stakeholder & Team Collaboration

• Lead and coordinate local market managers or dedicated brand representatives across assigned territories.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing, and external agencies.
• Act as a trusted partner to senior leadership, providing structured insights and recommendations.

Market Presence & Execution

• Conduct regular market visits, including distributor meetings, key customer engagements, and activation reviews.
• Ensure high-quality execution of promotions, events, and brand experiences at the local level.
• Serve as a brand ambassador, reinforcing premium positioning and long-term brand equity.

Candidate Profile

Professional Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in business development, brand management, or commercial roles within FMCG, beverages, or premium spirits.
• Proven track record of managing multi-market or regional responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of route-to-market models, distributor management, and brand activation.
• Experience working with A&P budgets, pricing strategies, and portfolio management.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
• Highly analytical, with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset with strong execution discipline.
• Comfortable operating in matrix organizations and multicultural environments.

Education & Languages

• University degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• Fluent in English; regional language proficiency is a strong advantage.

What the Role Offers

• Opportunity to shape and lead the growth of a premium spirits portfolio across multiple markets.
• High visibility role with significant strategic influence.
• Dynamic, international environment with exposure to senior decision-makers.
• Competitive compensation package aligned with experience and regional scope.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Our client offers equal opportunity for everyone, and no person shall be discriminated against on the grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, ethnic background, race, skin color, religion or ideology, political persuasion, social background or marital status.