PURPOSE
We are looking for a proactive and results-driven Area Sales Manager to strengthen our sales operations across the South East region. This key position demands a driven individual to enhance sales performance, cultivate client connections, and guide a team toward exceptional business outcomes. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Sales Director to coordinate and align efforts with Sales Associates and distributors, ensuring seamless sales and distribution operations, as well as overseeing the deployment and monitoring of trade marketing field teams within their designated area. Their responsibility will include guaranteeing adherence to distribution and merchandising strategies, as well as meeting the mutually agreed KPIs with Sales Associates and distributors. Additionally, they will partner with Sales Associates and distributor staff to execute trade and consumer activation initiatives, while tracking implementation progress and competitive developments.
We seek a candidate with demonstrated proficiency in functional skills, including literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy, to enhance workplace performance and efficiency. The role requires the ability to apply these skills in practical scenarios, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and effectively. Responsibilities include supporting colleagues in skill development, assessing individual competencies, and implementing tailored learning interventions. A strong foundation in problem-solving and adaptability is essential, along with excellent communication skills to foster collaborative learning environments. Prior experience in education, training, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory for qualified applicants.
Distributor and field force planning and management involves strategically organizing, directing, and optimizing the distribution network and on-field teams to ensure efficient operations, maximize market reach, and drive sales performance. This role encompasses overseeing distributor partnerships, coordinating field activities, allocating resources effectively, and implementing performance metrics to track progress and achieve business objectives. Responsibilities include developing distribution strategies, training and motivating field personnel, and analyzing market trends to enhance coverage and profitability.
Trade marketing and point-of-consumption (POC) consumer activation drive brand visibility and sales by strategically collaborating with retail partners to execute in-store promotions, product demonstrations, and exclusive launches. This role requires a results-driven professional with a proven track record in developing and implementing innovative trade marketing campaigns, analyzing market trends, and optimizing promotional strategies to maximize ROI. Responsibilities include coordinating with sales teams to align trade initiatives with business objectives, managing budgets for promotional activities, and leveraging data insights to refine activation plans. Additionally, the position demands strong communication skills to engage retail partners, train store staff, and foster long-term relationships to ensure sustained brand growth and market penetration.
Efficient organization and optimization of shelf space are essential to ensure products are displayed effectively and inventory is managed efficiently. This role requires meticulous attention to detail to maintain accurate stock levels and ensure items are arranged in a manner that enhances accessibility and visual appeal for customers. Responsibilities include regularly assessing product placement, replenishing stock as needed, and coordinating with team members to achieve sales targets. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and prior experience in retail or inventory management.
Category management involves developing and implementing strategies to optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotions to drive sales and profitability. The role requires a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes to identify growth opportunities and enhance category performance. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, sales, and supply chain, to align business objectives with category goals. Additionally, the position entails analyzing sales data, conducting market research, and leveraging insights to make data-driven decisions that improve product selection and customer satisfaction. Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in relevant tools and software. Candidates should have proven experience in category management, retail, or a related field, coupled with a track record of delivering measurable results.
Field intelligence collection, data acquisition, and the tracking and reporting of key performance indicators are integral responsibilities of this position.
Demonstrates strong proficiency in negotiation tactics, enabling effective resolution of conflicts and securing favorable agreements. Required to engage with diverse stakeholders, including clients, partners, and internal teams, to align interests and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Must exhibit exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence decisions while maintaining professionalism and fostering long-term relationships. Essential for driving successful collaborations and ensuring organizational objectives are met.
The individual will engage with external factors such as taxation policies, trade pricing structures, corporate and external stakeholder relations, as well as legal frameworks and compliance requirements.
A strong expertise in customer service practices is essential, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of service delivery, client interaction strategies, and problem-resolution techniques. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in managing customer inquiries efficiently, ensuring high satisfaction levels, and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions. Additionally, familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and data analysis for service improvement is highly desirable.
The primary responsibilities encompass overseeing key operational functions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance performance and efficiency. This involves managing cross-functional teams, monitoring performance metrics, and implementing process improvements to optimize workflows and deliver measurable results. Additionally, the role requires collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to facilitate communication, resolve challenges, and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
We are responsible for driving volume and market share growth, ensuring our products and services meet or exceed market demands. This role involves strategic planning and execution to capture new opportunities, enhance customer engagement, and strengthen our competitive position. Key responsibilities include analyzing market trends, optimizing distribution channels, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve sales targets and business objectives. Strong analytical skills, market awareness, and a results-driven mindset are essential for success in this position.
Drive sustainable growth in both volume and market share, consistently meeting or exceeding area-specific targets, and promptly escalate any deviations or obstacles to the Line Manager for resolution.
Overseeing distributor relationships constitutes a critical component of this role, ensuring optimal performance and alignment with organizational objectives. This involves maintaining regular communication, providing necessary support, and addressing any challenges that may arise. Additionally, the position entails monitoring distributor performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance overall efficiency and profitability. Strong interpersonal skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this position. Proficiency in data analysis and a thorough understanding of supply chain dynamics are also required to drive informed decision-making and foster long-term partnerships.
Serving as a collaborative link with distributor staff, you will oversee sales and marketing initiatives within the designated region, guaranteeing alignment with and achievement of management-established brand objectives.
Launched under the supervision of the marketing department, new brand initiatives are spearheaded to foster market penetration and enhance brand visibility. This role demands a keen understanding of market trends, consumer behavior analysis, and strategic planning to ensure successful product rollouts. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, overseeing campaign development, and evaluating performance metrics to refine brand positioning. Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of experience in brand management or a related field, along with proficiency in data-driven decision-making and exceptional communication skills.
Develops and implements Route to Market (RTM) strategies and plans with precision to optimize distribution channels and enhance market penetration.
The position involves overseeing price fluctuations and other key market indicators to ensure accurate and timely data collection and analysis. Responsibilities include tracking changes in pricing structures, assessing market trends, and maintaining detailed records of relevant financial metrics. Proficiency in data analysis tools and a keen attention to detail are essential for identifying discrepancies and reporting findings to stakeholders. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex datasets are required to support strategic decision-making processes.
Ensuring consistent product availability across all distribution channels is a critical responsibility. This involves closely monitoring inventory levels, forecasting demand accurately, and collaborating with suppliers to prevent stock outs. Additionally, the role requires analyzing sales data to identify trends and adjusting procurement strategies accordingly. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential to meet customer demand promptly and maintain operational efficiency.
Guarantee full accessibility of JTI products across every channel and location within the designated market area at all times.
Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with wholesalers, retailers, and HOR ECA owners to ensure the region achieves its volume and distribution targets effectively.
Develops, implements, and oversees strategic market intelligence, data-driven promotional initiatives, and comprehensive marketing programs to enhance brand visibility and drive business growth.
Responsible for driving the successful execution of sales initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and fostering measurable growth. Develops and maintains strong client relationships to identify opportunities, address needs, and secure long-term partnerships. Monitors market trends and competitive activity to refine approaches and optimize performance. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and enhance customer engagement. Tracks key performance indicators to evaluate progress and implement corrective actions as required.
Distribution and merchandising efforts are optimized through strategic territory planning, management, and field force deployment. Progress is meticulously monitored, and corrective actions are recommended as needed to ensure continuous improvement and effectiveness.
Overseeing team dynamics and fostering leadership development across the organization, this role involves guiding employees toward achieving collective goals while nurturing individual growth. Responsibilities include mentoring staff, resolving conflicts, and ensuring alignment with company objectives through effective communication and motivational strategies. Candidates must demonstrate proven experience in team supervision, conflict resolution, and performance management, along with strong interpersonal skills to inspire and drive high-performing teams. Proficiency in leadership frameworks and a track record of developing talent are essential.
Oversee a team of five JTI sales professionals located in various states within my designated coverage area, providing leadership and guidance to ensure optimal performance and cohesive collaboration.
The objective is to provide leadership, guidance, and encouragement to the sales team while overseeing the successful execution of all programs with excellence.
Foster an environment that cultivates talent, acknowledges achievements, and provides appropriate recognition and rewards.
Reports to [designated supervisor/manager], ensuring clear communication of progress, challenges, and key metrics. Provides accurate and timely updates on projects, team performance, and operational data to support informed decision-making. Maintains thorough documentation of meetings, milestones, and deliverables to track accountability and ensure transparency throughout initiatives. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align reporting standards and streamline information flow across departments.
The role involves collecting and distributing precise, up-to-date market and competitive intelligence on JTI and rival companies to enhance the speed and quality of managerial decision-making. This includes delivering daily, weekly, and monthly updates on all sales and marketing activities, capturing photographs of trade events, and conducting audits to verify stock availability.
The external environment encompasses market trends, regulatory frameworks, competitive landscape, and economic indicators that influence organizational operations and strategic decision-making. Analyzing these factors is essential for identifying opportunities and mitigating risks to ensure sustained growth and compliance. Stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and industry associations, also shape the external context through their evolving demands and interactions.
Given the inherent volatility of the political, socio-economic, and legal landscape, this role demands a comprehensive and precise grasp of the external market dynamics—especially concerning legal and M&S considerations. Collaboration with internal stakeholders and distributors is essential to position the organization optimally for future challenges and opportunities.
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, engineering, or mathematics, along with at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in designated programming languages, frameworks, and tools is essential, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively in diverse teams and convey complex technical concepts clearly. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-evolving technological landscape.
A bachelor’s degree or a comparable qualification is required.
With a minimum of three to five years of hands-on experience within JTI, particularly in sales and distribution, as well as channel management and the execution of consumer and trade marketing initiatives, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of success in these areas.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
3 - 5 years
