Divisional Route to Market Manager: General Trade (Gauteng) at Smollan

Description

Operational Excellence


Ensure accurate and optimised call cycles, monitoring activities, addressing discrepancies, and revising schedules as needed to meet operational and regulatory requirements
Drive effective branding and point-of-purchase standards for spaza shops, tailoring POS materials, marketing campaigns, and initiatives to resonate with informal traders
Monitor and manage asset distribution, sales visibility, and SPI optimisation, ensuring tier 3 brands and Tiger Brands products maintain a strong presence in spaza channels Identify and execute sales-driving opportunities, including themed initiatives,
SKUs tailored to the informal market, and innovative NPD introductions to grow market share
Support the deployment of innovative technology solutions and syndication initiatives to enhance service offerings, expand market penetration, and improve customer experience
Ensure effective development of tactical plans for the division in line with customer, client and Group strategic direction and objectives
Ensure comprehensive understanding of client and customer strategic objectives through interaction with relevant stakeholders
Consult with relevant stakeholders to provide operational complexities Negotiate tactical plans, implementation, finance and objectives to agree and sign-off for implementation and execution
Review strategic objectives and targets based on annual budget to deliver continued growth .


Key Account Management


Carry out quarterly reviews and relationship management with platinum customers
Provide key account services focusing on listing, promotional goods, deals and pricing
Build strong trade relationships to assist in the execution of objectives
Ensure effective contract management to reduce scope creeping
Effectively roll out and expansion to new territories .
Stakeholder Management|Build, maintain, and grow strong relationships with clients, customers, and internal stakeholders while aligning Group and client objectives with business plans
Manage client expectations, ensure effective information flow, and resolve issues promptly to optimise processes and maintain a positive reputation
Identify cross-selling opportunities and prioritise competing demands to drive business growth and ensure adherence to client contact and engagement plans .


Achievement of KPI and Operational Objectives


Analyse data, gather feedback, and develop tactical plans to address gaps, meet objectives, and enhance team performance Identify, implement, and manage systems and processes to ensure effective delivery of strategic business goals
Provide market insights and competitor analysis to inform decision-making and optimise business operations. .


Profitability, Sustainability and Financial Targets


Compile, implement, and manage divisional forecasts and budgets, ensuring sign-off, accuracy, and effective monitoring Identify and resolve budget exceptions while driving cost containment, maximising income, and supporting sustainable profitability Communicate budget details to Regional Managers and sales teams, ensuring accurate billing and alignment with financial objectives .


Requirements


8-10 years' experience in an FMCG/Retail/Sales/Marketing environment with a proven track record of managing people, operations and clients. Must be well connected in the FMCG trade at Key Account and Regional Level ||Essential / Minimum|0-5 years|
Relevant Degree at NQF level 7
Operations management skills
Relationship building skills
Problem solving skills
Influencing skills
Communication Skills (verbal & written)