Area Manager (Maputo / Mozambique)

General:

• To develop and execute a regional trade marketing and distribution plan which meets brand, volume and profit objectives for each trade channel and key account through the most effective and efficient utilisation of budgets and manpower in order to achieve divisional trade marketing and distribution objectives.

Detail of the specific tasks:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• ü Develop and implement a regional sales and distribution plan which meets the company’s market, brand, volume and channel objectives by gaining the active support and loyalty of customers;
• ü Manage key regional trade customers through the development and implementation of account strategies and plans through regular communication with the account team in order to maximise volume and share performance;
• ü Manage an efficient and effective regional sales and distribution team through on-job training, motivation and staff development in order that sales and distribution representation is superior to the competition in respect of both core and added value services;
• ü Ensure all Trade Marketing and Distribution plans and implementation strategies effectively articulate and align with the Trade Marketing and Distribution vision, philosophy and direction;
• ü Agree and establish the structure of the most effective distribution of company brands within the region in order to ensure that availability is maximised in line with brand strategies and the needs of the market by trade channel and outlet type;
• ü Develop and implement an effective presence marketing and promotion programme to achieve the highest in store visibility and sales performance for key strategic brands based on the needs and priorities of each trade channel and outlet type by gaining the active support of the trade;
• ü Establish close working relationships with the trade (formal and informal) in order to gain high levels of trade support and loyalty whilst enhancing understanding of the trading environment;
• ü Propose and agree and implement trading terms and conditions policy which is fair to all customers and rewards performance in order that investment is directed at enhancing brand value and profitability;
• ü Manage the collation, analysis, evaluation and dissemination of market and Trade Marketing and Distribution performance data to improve maximum competitive advantage;
• ü Provide sales and distribution information and reports on performance and accounts to ensure that the Trade Marketing and the Brand Marketing team are fully informed at all times;
• ü Manage the development and skills levels of the trade marketing and distribution organisation in order that appropriate succession plans are in place to meet the future needs of the organisation.

General Qualifications Required:

• ü Degree in Business Management or Marketing or in any other relevant field;
• ü Approx. 2 years experience as an Area Manager in an FMCG company that has incorporated a trade channel and account management approach;
• ü Experience in account management and negotiation;
• ü Good communicator;
• ü Good negotiation and influencing skills;
• ü Team leadership skills;
• ü Sound working knowledge of computer applications;
• ü Portuguese and English speaker;
• ü Understanding of logistics;
• ü Achievement of regional volume and profitability objectives and targets;
• ü Achievement of national sales and distribution objectives;
• ü Achievement of national international brand objectives;
• ü Volume and share growth in assigned key accounts and/or trade channels;
• ü Development of an Area Manager to Regional manager standard;
• ü The principle focus will be on the establishment of a close working relationship with the Trade Marketing and Distribution Development Manager and the Brand Marketing team.
• Additional Comments
• ü The Regional Manager will remain in this position for a minimum of 2 years;
• ü Mozambican Citizen or Expat with Mozambican Resident Card (required).