Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To expand present and develop new exports (or Markets) of (for) Ontario produced food, beverage and agriculture products. To assist in the provision of Market intelligence for Branch.

Duties / Responsibilities :

-Working as a geographic or category specialist, creates, manages and promote programs and activities to maintain and expand markets and exports by: developing, planning and implementing approved export marketing programs;
-providing consultant services to Ontario food, beverage, and agriculture companies regarding the market opportunities and mechanics of export, including business plan development;
-identifying potential export clients and suitable markets for Ontario food, beverage, and agriculture products;working to ensure the export readiness of clients and the expedition of export product into the market place;
-identifying educational needs of Ontario exporters and recommending appropriate seminar topics, written materials and category/market information requirements;
-identifying targeted market specific promotional vehicles i.e. trade shows; incoming and outgoing missions; coordinating the involvement of appropriate Ontario exporters and ensuring systematic follow up to assess results;
-assessing the needs of foreign buyers and linking them to export ready Ontario-based food, beverage and agriculture companies/producers;
-compiling data, evaluating program results and preparing reports for the manager;
-analyzing and presenting projects for recommended approval by Manager.
-Keeps informed on the geographic market and product category opportunities, as well as the competitiveness and export readiness of detailed company and country profiles;
-development and maintenance of a client relationship management system, including client/customer contact reports, follow-up to track progress and successes;
-awareness of the capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses of the agriculture and post-farmgate food industry in Ontario as well as knowledge of the capabilities of competitors to Ontario's industry in foreign markets;
-following and analyzing market reports in domestic and foreign markets
-Provides for the market intelligence requirements of the branch from a category or geographic perspective by: researching, analyzing and compiling information on appropriate food, beverage and agriculture categories and the main distribution channels and key foreign customers; reviewing and evaluating market data, i.e. purchasing habits, consumer and market trends, GNP, demographic. etc. from a variety of sources;

Staffing and Licencing :

Valid Ontario Driver's License is required.

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of Ontario Food, beverage, and agricultural business incluiding capability and export potential to develop, plan and implement approved export marketingprograms.

Job requires knowledge of the distribution channels for food, beverage and agricultural products to provide consultant services to Ontario food, beverage and agricultural companies regarding the market opportunities and mechanics of export, including business plan development.

Job requires knowledge in the export marketing of food, beverage and agriculture products including the relevant provincial, federal, and foreign legislation and regulations (e.g. U.S. labeling,U.S. Bioterrorism Act) to identify potential export clients and suitable markets for Ontario food, beverage and agriculture products.

Job requires knowledge of the practice of international trade and commerce to assess the needs of foreign buyers and linking them to export ready Ontario based food, beverage and agriculture producers.

Skills :

Job requires project management skills to identify targeted market specific promotional vehicles (i.e. trade shows) and coordinating the involvement of appropriate Ontario Exporters to ensure systematic follow up to assess results.

Job requires analytical skills to compile data, evaluate program results and prepare reports for the manager.

Job requires both oral and written communication skills to develop and maintain client relationship management system, including client customer contact reports, follow-up to track progress and successes.

Job requires research skills to research import procedures, customs regulations and transportation options in a timely manner.

Job requires tact and diplomacy to maintain good working relationships and work cooperatively with federal and provincial offices and staff involved in the development and promotion of export activities.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working in accordance with Ministry and government policies, guidelines and directives including federal and foreign legislation and regulations. Job requires establishing the export readiness and market penetration feasibility and making recommendations. Job has freedom to develop, plan, and implement approved export marketing programs. Job requires analyzing and presenting projects for recommended approval by manager. Job requires referring to supervisory for very unusual or sensitive cases e.g. potential conflict of interest.