Area Sales Manager - AVI Limited

AVI Field Marketing, a division of AVI Limited, handles the sales and merchandising for the beverages, snacking, and cosmetic business units to ensure improved execution at the store level.

An opportunity has become available for an experienced Area Sales Manager to manage retail customers and a staff complement of over 30 field employees and servicing the Bloemfontein area, covering Central Free State, Bloemfontein and surrounding areas. The successful candidate is required to perform a sales management function and ensure all business unit targets are achieved per the BU service level agreements.

The successful candidate is also required to have strong people management skills as well as the ability to interact with customers at all levels, internally and externally. This position reports directly to the Regional Operations Manager and the successful Area Sales Manager will be expected to report to the regional office as and when required.

This position requires an individual who enjoys a fast-paced, team-orientated environment who enjoys being challenged, and values the opportunity to make a difference.

Line Manager: Regional Operations Manager

Job Specification:

Key Performance Areas:

• Monitor store ordering process, stock levels, and returns and take corrective action if required
• Monitor pricing and ensure mandate adherence
• Negotiate promotional activity
• POP implementation and negotiate ad-hoc display and space
• Check-in stock, expiry dates and ensure shelf health standards are maintained
• Address pricing and delivery issues
• Monitor forward share in relation to market share as well as the rate of sale
• Maintain customer and company records
• Complete price surveys timeously
• Update records of all company equipment and assets
• Communicate issues and provide solutions where possible
• Ensure adherence to store policies and procedures at all times
• Monitor and manage Merchandiser / Field Marketer and Sales Representatives' attendance and ensure registers are updated
• Confirm call cycles are followed and communicate changes to customers when needed
• Manage and plan leave for subordinates
• Prepare monthly payroll for HR
• Conduct floor walks with Field marketers, Merchandisers, and Sales Representatives
• Brief staff of all cycle priorities and ensure a clear understanding of objectives
• Develop staff by identifying training needs and providing on-the-job coaching if required
• Keep Regional Operations Manager up to date on conduct issues
• Staff Management in line with company policy and procedures
• Conduct appraisals
• Set targets for subordinates by store by category in line with BU objectives and strategy

Minimum Requirements:

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in a Sales Supervisor or Sales Manager role required
• Experience within FMCG dealing with major retailers such as PNP, Shoprite Group, and Spar
• Management of people and teams
• Good understanding and implementation of Human Resources and Industrial relations processes and procedures

Qualifications:

• Completed Matric
• A completed tertiary qualification (Business/Sales/Marketing/Retail) advantageous

Additional Requirements:

• Sound knowledge of the FMCG industry
• A good understanding of the merchandising industry
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Able to present information to various levels in the organization
• Valid Driver’s License required
• Ability to travel essential

Competencies:

• Plan or strategize ahead
• Checking things
• Present and communicate information
• Showing composure
• Optimize business performance
• Manage people and teams
• Deliver customer service Initiate and achieve results
• Build and use key relationships
• Flexible and open to change