Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Our client is a leading company in Malta. They would like to engage a Chief Executive Officer(CEO) who is fully responsible for leading a large food manufacturing company in Malta and driving its overall strategic direction and performance. Experience with developing international food markets and exports is a must.

The Role

• A key focus of the role is protecting the company’s strong local market position while expanding international exports, especially in frozen foods.
• The CEO oversees all major business areas, including manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, exports, commercial operations and organisational performance.
• The role requires ensuring operational efficiency, financial discipline and compliance with local and international food safety and regulatory standards.
• The CEO works closely with the Board and Director to turn long-term goals into practical strategies that deliver sustainable growth and shareholder value.
• Responsibilities include identifying new market opportunities, expanding into new customer segments and entering additional export markets through data-driven analysis.
• The CEO must lead and develop a high-performing executive team while fostering a strong, accountable and people-focused organisational culture.
• Financial leadership is essential, including full accountability for budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss management, capital allocation and cost control.
• The role also involves leading organisational change, improving processes and encouraging innovation in products, technology and service delivery.
• As the company’s main external representative, the CEO builds strategic relationships with investors, distributors, suppliers, regulators and international partners to support global expansion.

Requirements

• Extensive senior leadership experience within food manufacturing, with a strong understanding of production operations, quality assurance, food safety standards, capacity planning and continuous improvement practices.
• Proven track record in developing and growing international food export markets, including market entry strategies, distributor management, pricing strategy and commercial negotiations across multiple regions.
• Strong expertise in international food logistics, cold-chain distribution, import/export compliance, customs procedures and supply chain optimisation to ensure efficient and scalable global operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead long-term business strategy, drive sustainable growth, manage full P&L responsibility, oversee budgeting and forecasting, and deliver operational and financial performance improvements.
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams, create a performance-driven culture, manage organisational transformation and foster collaboration, accountability and innovation across all business functions.

Job Reference: YX777