Head of Foreign Economic Activity (Food Import)

Location: Kyiv (office)

🌍 European Imports & Purchasing | 🛒 Food Distribution

This role is perfect for a dynamic professional who excels in supplier negotiations, understands international trade regulations, and can lead a team in driving the procurement strategy. You will be responsible for finding, negotiating, and securing exclusive deals with European suppliers, and overseeing the Foreign Economic Activity (FEA) department

Requirements:

• 5+ years of proven success in FEA and International Procurement

• Extensive experience in importing food products such as meat, fish, cheese, etc.

• Hands-on experience with products under veterinary control

• Solid background in working with top Ukrainian retail chains

• Expertise in foreign trade regulations and documentation

• Fluent Ukrainian for internal operations and compliance

• Confident English B2 or higher for supplier negotiations

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with high volumes of information

• Emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and attention to detail

• Excellent leadership and negotiation skills

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of 3 FEA Managers

• Serve as the primary negotiator/closer with European suppliers

• Build and maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships

• Secure exclusive contracts with premium producers across Europe

• Represent the company at 2–3 leading food exhibitions in Europe per year

• Analyze local and international markets to forecast trends and pricing

• Coordinate contracts, compliance, and logistics with internal teams

• Ensure full alignment with regulatory and veterinary control standards

The Offer:

• Base salary: ₴120K + Bonuses for successful deals and performance

• Opportunity to shape the international procurement strategy

• Supportive leadership and a positive atmosphere

• Travel across Europe for exhibitions and supplier visits

• High-impact role with significant decision-making power

• 24 paid vacation days and sick leave

• Modern, comfortable office

• Job stability and transparency

• Full business travel coverage

About the Company: Market leader in premium food imports, operating successfully for nearly 20 years. With a team of around 100 employees, we supply top-tier national retail chains, including Silpo, METRO, Novus, Auchan, Ultramarket, etc. Company excels in logistics, warehousing, and international sourcing, backed by a modern warehouse and a proprietary vehicle fleet. We’re now expanding our international procurement team and hiring a Head of FEA Department, with a key focus on securing exclusive supplier contracts across Europe. This is a dynamic leadership position, combining procurement strategy, supplier communication, and team management.

Send your CV + answers to recruitment@lifes-vision.com:

1. How many years of experience do you have in food imports, especially with products requiring veterinary control (e.g., meat, fish, cheese)?

2. Are you comfortable working in the Kyiv office and traveling to Europe occasionally?

3. Can you share an example of a successful contract you've secured with European suppliers or Ukrainian retail chains?

4. What is your English proficiency level?

5. What are your salary expectations?