Commercial Development Manager / Business Developer (PetFood Industry)

Our client is an international manufacturer specializing in premium wet pet food for cats and dogs. Their high-quality recipes and turnkey packaging solutions serve both branded ranges and private-label lines, supporting distributors, retailers, and co-manufacturing partners across global markets.

As part of its growth in Latin America, the company is seeking a Commercial Development Manager to lead business development locally and drive the region’s expansion. The position is based in Mexico City (with other main urban areas as an option).

Missions

Reporting to the LATAM Export Zone Manager, you will :

Brand Development

Identify and engage with new distributors / major food retailers and specialized pet food outlets across Mexico to generate business growth and strategic partnerships

Finalize distributor agreements—coordinating operational (logistics, order processing) and legal (with Methods & Commercial teams) aspects.

Consolidate and present product specifications, brand materials, and logistical data to distributors.

Oversee packaging adaptations (FR / EN / AFFCO standards)

Support in-store roll-out through store visits alongside the local commercial agent

Private Label & Key Accounts

Short term : Prospect and pitch private-label solutions to major food-retailers (Costco, Soriana, HEB, Sam’s Club, La Comer…).

Mid term : Develop existing leads in both specialized pet outlets and food-retail channels in close coordination with LATAM Export and local partners.

Drive internal product development processes (R&D recipe definition, Quality sign-off, Packaging & Project teams, logistics coordination).

Ensure launch follow-up and profitability tracking for each private-label initiative.

Contract Manufacturing

Identify and engage new co-manufacturing prospects beyond current clients in wet food and snack segments.

Qualify and nurture leads handed off by the LATAM Export team.

Manage end-to-end product development (recipe, quality control, packaging, logistics).

Profile

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Trade, Marketing, Food Engineering or related field; MBA a plus.

Minimum 4 years of B2B sales experience with proven success in account development and retailer negotiations.

Commercial Skills

Negotiations with Mexican food retailers : track record of closing deals with major local food retailers and understanding category dynamics.

Prospecting & brand positioning : ability to position both branded and private-label offerings versus competition.

Hunter mindset : proactive and large-account prospecting.

Private-label / retail expertise : negotiation of tariffs, margin management, shelf-space strategies.

Import / export knowledge : familiarity with customs processes (Veracruz port), pricing structures (PVC, distributor margins).

Soft Skills

Intrapreneurial spirit : initiative-driven, challenges the status quo, independently manages projects.

Collaborative approach : effective in cross-functional teams (LATAM, France HQ, Canada / UK peers).

Curiosity & learning agility : genuine interest in agro-food and pet-food industries.

Why this role?

You will spearhead the launch of a new subsidiary in a dynamic market, backed by an established European brand and a dedicated LATAM support structure. You’ll own the commercial strategy and make a direct impact on the group’s growth in the Americas. If you thrive on B2B food-manufacturing sales, building long-term partnerships, and driving profitable initiatives, this opportunity is for you.