PURPOSE
We are looking for a driven and proactive Area Sales Manager to strengthen our presence in the South East region. This key position calls for an enthusiastic leader who will spearhead sales expansion, cultivate client connections, and guide a team toward exceptional business outcomes. In close partnership with the Sales Director, the successful candidate will oversee all coordination efforts, fostering collaboration between Sales Associates and distributors to optimize sales and distribution operations, as well as trade marketing field force deployment and monitoring within their assigned territory. Their responsibilities will include ensuring adherence to distribution and merchandising strategies, as well as meeting mutually agreed KPIs with Sales Associates and distributors. Additionally, they will collaborate closely with Sales Associates and distributor staff to execute trade and consumer activation initiatives, while continuously tracking implementation progress and competitive market activity.
Functional Skills encompass essential competencies in areas such as literacy, numeracy, communication, and problem-solving that are crucial for daily life and workplace success. These skills enable individuals to navigate tasks ranging from managing budgets and interpreting data to effectively conveying ideas and collaborating with others. Proficiency in functional skills is often evaluated through standardized assessments, ensuring individuals meet industry-recognized standards. Employers frequently prioritize candidates who demonstrate strong functional skills, as they are foundational for adaptability, efficiency, and overall productivity in professional environments.
Distributor and field force planning and management entails the strategic oversight of field operations, ensuring efficient distribution channels and optimal resource allocation to drive sales performance and market reach. This role involves coordinating distributor networks, analyzing performance metrics, and implementing targeted strategies to enhance productivity and achieve organizational objectives. Key responsibilities include managing field teams, developing distribution plans, and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders to maximize operational effectiveness.
Trade marketing and proof-of-concept (POC) consumer activation initiatives drive brand visibility, product adoption, and sales growth by engaging key retail partners and end consumers. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop strategic promotional campaigns, execute in-store activations, and analyze performance metrics to optimize return on investment. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of retail dynamics, and proven experience in designing and implementing consumer engagement strategies that deliver measurable results.
Effective management of shelf space ensures optimal product visibility and accessibility, maximizing sales potential while maintaining an organized and visually appealing retail environment. This role involves meticulous planning and strategic placement of merchandise to align with sales data, inventory levels, and seasonal trends. Responsibilities include collaborating with merchandising teams to develop nanograms, conducting regular audits to assess stock rotation and compliance, and analyzing performance metrics to refine display strategies. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential, along with proficiency in retail management software and a deep understanding of consumer behavior. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in retail operations, inventory control, and space optimization, with the ability to balance efficiency and visual merchandising standards.
Responsible for overseeing and optimizing product categories within the retail or supply chain environment, category management involves strategic planning to drive sales growth, enhance profitability, and improve customer satisfaction. This role requires a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive analysis to make informed decisions regarding pricing, promotions, product assortment, and merchandising strategies. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, finance, and supply chain, is essential to align category objectives with broader business goals. Key responsibilities include developing data-driven category plans, managing inventory levels, negotiating with suppliers, and analyzing performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies are critical requirements for success in this position.
Field intelligence gathering, data collection, and continuous monitoring of KPIs are essential components of this role, along with the preparation and delivery of detailed performance reports.
Proven expertise in negotiation is essential, requiring the ability to secure favorable terms, resolve conflicts, and build consensus through strategic dialogue and persuasive communication. Candidates must demonstrate a strong command of negotiation techniques, including active listening, compromise, and the capacity to influence stakeholders effectively. Prior experience in high-stakes negotiations, contract discussions, or deal-making is highly desirable, along with the ability to analyze opposing viewpoints and adapt approaches to achieve optimal outcomes.
The position involves navigating external factors such as tax regulations, trade pricing dynamics, corporate and stakeholder relations, as well as legal compliance and considerations.
Seasoned expertise in customer service operations is essential, requiring a thorough understanding of service delivery principles, client interaction strategies, and resolution methodologies to ensure exceptional support experiences.
MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Deliver growth in both volume and market share by implementing strategic initiatives that drive customer acquisition and retention, ensuring sustained competitive advantage in target markets.
Achieve growth in volume and market share while meeting regional volume targets, promptly escalating any changes or challenges to the Line Manager.
Overseeing distributor relationships and ensuring seamless operations across the supply chain, this role involves strategic planning, performance monitoring, and fostering long-term partnerships. Key responsibilities include evaluating distributor performance, addressing any operational challenges, and implementing initiatives to enhance efficiency and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, experience in supply chain or distribution management, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Proficiency in data analysis tools and a deep understanding of market dynamics are essential to drive continuous improvement and meet business objectives.
In collaboration with distributor teams, you will oversee regional sales and marketing initiatives to achieve the predetermined performance targets established by management for our brands.
Successfully spearheading new brand launches with strategic planning and flawless execution, this role demands a dynamic blend of creativity and analytical prowess to position products effectively in competitive markets. Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of experience in brand management, marketing, or a related field, along with a proven track record of driving measurable growth through innovative campaigns. Proficiency in market research, consumer insights, and cross-functional collaboration is essential, while strong project management skills ensure seamless coordination across teams. A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related discipline is required, and familiarity with digital marketing tools and social media platforms is highly advantageous. This position offers the opportunity to shape brand identities, engage diverse audiences, and deliver impactful results in a fast-paced environment.
Develop and implement Route to Market (RTM) strategies and plans to optimize distribution channels and enhance product availability.
The individual will be responsible for tracking and analyzing price fluctuations, among other market variables. This role requires a keen attention to detail and strong analytical skills to ensure accurate data collection and interpretation. Additionally, the position involves identifying trends, assessing competitive pricing, and providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. Proficiency in data analysis tools and prior experience in market research or financial analysis are essential qualifications for this role.
Product availability is essential to ensuring seamless operations and customer satisfaction. This role requires monitoring stock levels, coordinating with suppliers, and updating inventory systems to prevent shortages. Responsibilities include tracking real-time inventory data, forecasting demand, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align supply with market needs. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in inventory management software are crucial for success in this position.
Guarantee complete accessibility of JTI products via all channels and locations throughout the assigned market area at all times.
Build strong, collaborative relationships with wholesalers, retailers, and HOR ECA owners to support the region in achieving its volume and distribution targets.
SOME, along with market information and promotional initiatives, are developed and executed.
Delivers strategic sales execution, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and fostering sustainable revenue growth through meticulous planning and execution.
Effective territory planning and management, coupled with strategic field force deployment, drive distribution and merchandising efforts. Progress is continuously monitored, and where required, corrective measures are recommended to ensure optimal performance.
People management and leadership entail overseeing and directing teams to achieve organizational goals through strategic planning, motivation, and performance optimization. This role demands strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and the capacity to inspire and guide employees toward excellence. Key responsibilities include setting clear objectives, fostering a collaborative work environment, and ensuring alignment with company values while driving productivity and engagement.
Oversee a team of five JTI sales professionals stationed in diverse locations across my designated coverage area, spanning multiple states.
Recruit, nurture, and inspire the sales team to foster growth, while ensuring the seamless execution of all programs with exceptional standards.
Foster an environment that cultivates talent, acknowledges achievements, and rewards outstanding performance.
Reporting to the Regional Manager, this role is responsible for compiling, analyzing, and presenting performance metrics, financial data, and operational reports to support strategic decision-making. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, along with a minimum of three years of experience in financial reporting, data analysis, or business intelligence. Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or similar reporting tools is essential, as is the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Strong communication skills are necessary to convey findings clearly to stakeholders at all levels. Additional duties include maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance with reporting standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize reporting processes.
To ensure management receives timely and high-quality decision-making support, the role involves collecting, analyzing, and distributing precise market and competitive intelligence on JTI and rival brands. This includes delivering daily, weekly, and monthly updates on all sales and marketing initiatives, capturing photographs of trade activities, and conducting audits to verify stock availability.
We are seeking an External Environment professional tasked with monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting external market forces, regulatory changes, industry trends, and competitive dynamics. This role requires a keen ability to assess opportunities and threats, provide strategic insights to leadership, and inform long-term decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and a deep understanding of macroeconomic, political, and technological factors affecting our operations. Experience in forecasting, scenario planning, and stakeholder communication is essential, along with the capacity to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations for executive audiences.
Ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the dynamic political, socio-economic, and legal landscapes is essential, given their inherent volatility. This requires meticulous awareness of external factors—particularly within Legal and M&S—and close collaboration with internal teams and distributors to position us optimally for future challenges and opportunities.
Candidates must meet the following essential qualifications to be considered for this position. Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of three years of professional experience in the industry is required, along with proficiency in industry-standard software and tools. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary, as well as the ability to work independently and in a team environment. Excellent communication and organizational abilities are also essential.
A bachelor’s degree or comparable qualification in a relevant field is required.
With a minimum of three to five years of hands-on experience within JTI, particularly in sales and distribution, channel management, and the execution of consumer and trade marketing initiatives, candidates should bring a proven track record of success in these areas.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
3 - 5 years
