General Manager - Export Trade

KIT Recruitment is partnering with an established organization to recruit an experienced General Manager – Export Trade to lead and grow its international export business.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a commercially driven professional to oversee business development, international market expansion, team leadership and overall financial performance.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the export business, establish its strategic direction and build a high-performing team.

This is a general management position, not a hands-on trading role. The ideal candidate will bring extensive knowledge of international commodity markets, strong commercial leadership and proven P&L management experience.

General Manager – Export Trade - Details:

Location: Mississauga, ON

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Work Location: On-Site | Occasional International Travel

General Manager – Export Trade - Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute export trade strategies, identifying priority commodities, international markets and growth opportunities.
• Monitor commodity pricing, market trends and buyer demand to guide commercial decisions.
• Establish annual volume, margin and business development targets.
• Identify opportunities to expand market presence and strengthen international buyer relationships.
• Build, lead and mentor a team of trading, sales and operations professionals.
• Establish performance expectations and promote accountability.
• Oversee recruitment, resource planning and team development as the business grows.
• Develop and maintain relationships with international buyers, suppliers and Canadian agricultural partners.
• Oversee pricing strategies, commodity risk, foreign exchange exposure and working capital.
• Provide strategic oversight of procurement, logistics, quality standards and export compliance.
• Ensure commercial activities align with business objectives and risk management policies.
• Take full ownership of the export business's profit and loss (P&L) performance.
• Monitor trading margins, profitability and financial results.
• Oversee trade financing and financial risk management.
• Report business performance and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

General Manager – Export Trade - Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in international commodity trading, agricultural commodities, food exports or a related industry, with progressive leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of commodity pricing, market dynamics, risk management and international trade.
• Experience overseeing a trading portfolio or export business with P&L accountability.
• Proven ability to lead, develop and manage commercial teams.
• Knowledge of international trade processes, including freight, documentation and export compliance.
• Strong financial acumen, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• University degree in Business, Agriculture, Economics or a related field.
• Willingness to undertake occasional international travel.
• Experience with Canadian agricultural commodities, particularly pulses, lentils, peas, chickpeas, grains or oilseeds.
• Established relationships with international agricultural commodity buyers or importers.
• Previous general management experience with full P&L responsibility.
• Experience building or scaling an international trading or export business.