Senior Director, Exports

Job Title:                       Senior Director, Exports

Function:                      Sales  

Reports to:                   Head of Sales

Location:                      Hilbert, WI

Position Type:             Full-Time, Exempt

Schedule:                     M-F, 8am to 5pm

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Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Are you a Sales Leader looking for the challenge of taking a mission driven organization to its next level of success?

Ornua is actively seeking a Senior Director, Exports to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. This position will play a key role in the development and execution of export sales strategies across key international markets, building strong customer partnerships while collaborating cross-functionally to deliver innovative, value-added dairy solutions that support Ornua’s long-term growth.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

The Senior Director of Export Sales will play a pivotal role in expanding Ornua Ingredients North America’s global footprint by driving commercial growth across international markets. With a particular emphasis on Mexico, Central America, and South America, this role balances new customer acquisition with strategic account development to deliver sustainable, profitable export growth. You will collaborate with internal teams to navigate market complexities and deliver tailored, high-performance cheese solutions that meet diverse global customer needs.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

You are a strategic, commercially driven sales leader with a proven ability to grow business across international markets. You bring deep experience in export sales and a strong understanding of the market dynamics across Mexico, Central America, and South America, paired with the ability to identify new opportunities and convert them into long-term partnerships.

You thrive in a relationship-driven environment, combining strong cross-cultural communication and negotiation skills with a hands-on approach to business development and account leadership. You are equally comfortable opening new doors as you are strengthening existing customer relationships, always focused on delivering value and sustainable growth.

At Ornua, success is not just about what you do — it’s how you do it. You demonstrate our values by seeking new ideas, making things happen, showing care for your teammates, being your authentic self, and achieving great things together.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Prospecting & Business Development

• Identify and convert new export customers, with focus on Mexico, Central, and South America
• Build pipeline through targeted outreach and regional market intelligence
• Represent Ornua at international trade shows and customer meetings

Customer-Centric Solution Development

• Partner with export customers and internal teams to deliver tailored cheese solutions
• Translate customer needs into actionable briefs and align with R&D and regulatory teams

Sales Execution & Operational Excellence

• Ensure timely delivery of export documentation, samples, and specifications
• Collaborate on pricing strategies that reflect market dynamics and Ornua benchmarks

Market Intelligence & Value Creation

• Analyze global market data to identify growth opportunities
• Champion Ornua’s go-to-market pillars across international markets

Leadership Engagement & Brand Stewardship

• Represent Ornua’s brand and values in all global customer interactions

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years in international sales, export, or global business development
• Proven success in both hunting and farming roles across global markets
• Deep knowledge of Mexico, Central America, and South America market dynamics
• Strong cross-cultural communication and negotiation skills
• Familiarity with export regulations, logistics, and documentation
• Technical solution selling capability across diverse customer needs
• Willingness to travel internationally for customer meetings and trade events
• Spanish language proficiency required
• Dairy industry experience preferred
• Must be located near a major international airport

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

TOTAL REWARDS

At Ornua Ingredients North America, our Total Rewards package goes far beyond your paycheck. From day one, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits offering that includes: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life Insurance, Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness coverage, 401(k) with company matching and 100% immediate vesting, Generous Paid Time Off,20 weeks of Maternity Leave, Parental Leave, Annual Incentive Bonus, Career Growth and advance opportunities, and Education Reimbursement.

Would you like to make an impact? Apply today!

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.  Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at 833-450-2385 or peopleservicesus@ornua.com. 

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system. E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.