Project Director, Emerging Markets

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