District Sales and Merchandising Agent

Overview We are a Supply Chain and Sales & Merchandising partner adding value to your business through a fully integrated, temperature‑controlled network in Southern Africa. We are people serving people. While we boast the best in tech and infrastructure, our people are our greatest resource. With our skilled, curious, can‑do people at the forefront, our assets become your assets, our service your solutions.

Vector’s vehicle fleet includes a food industry first in ‘multi‑temperature’ vehicles enabling the company to service business across frozen, chilled and ambient temperature zones on a single delivery.

Job Purpose To be an effective sales and merchandising agent to retail, franchise and wholesale customers by maintaining regular contact and providing relevant solutions based on a clear understanding of the Customer’s business, the macro environment and the principal’s products.

• Where not defined, establish an effective route plan to achieve maximum call rate efficiencies each day for the month.
• Conduct research, preparation and planning to achieve the relevant objectives for both Vector and the customer.

• Analysis of the customer’s micro (business objectives, operational capacity, storage facilities, wastage etc) and macro environment (trends, competitors, economic climate etc).
• Analysis of Principal products and capabilities so that the right solutions can be matched to the gaps or opportunities found in the customer analysis.
• Execute Principal priorities for the month.
• Ensure successful promotional compliance and implementation.
• Revert on stores that are non‑compliant re promotional activities.
• Secure the necessary resources to demonstrate to the customer the relevant solution (e.g. products needed for demonstrations, financial tools, product brochures etc.).
• Based on the above analysis, put together a monthly planner that shows potential revenue and new line listings, by customer, to deliver against set targets. Where relevant, use the IT system to assist in monthly planning.
• In call, follow up previous sold solutions and present new opportunities based on real insight from the research and analysis done.
• Take orders of new line listings and other relevant solution products.
• Launch new products into assigned customers.
• Conduct planned promotions with assigned customers.
• Drive volume deals or deals provided by Principal key accounts managers with assigned customers.

• Provide quality feedback to the supply chain and other relevant functions when required as well as when there is pertinent information (e.g. competitor activity).

• Maintain and expand the customer base by building and maintaining good relationships with key customers and recognizing new customer opportunities.
• Understand key customers’ operations and strategies as well as their requirements and trends.
• Gather area market intelligence.
• Ensure the customer service policy is rigidly implemented and maintained.
• Resolve escalated customer queries and issues professionally and in the best interest of all parties.

• Address area stock availability issues with depots.
• Oversee the area order taking and waste management process.
• Achieve New Product Development (NPD) & Depth of Distribution (DOD) target within 8 weeks of launch in line with the project plan and provide feedback on non‑compliant stores.
• Implement a daily pre‑call planning schedule with clear objective that you need to achieve the following day on stores you need to visit.
• Pre‑Call planning document should always be with you and be able to present to your manager or principal on request.

• Analyse monthly queries and complaints (QNC) report on short‑dated stock.
• Provide your regional sales manager with monthly feedback.
• Zero expired stock to be found on shelf.
• Ensure your staff log short‑dated stock within the principal requirements.

• Champion training and development of self and others through utilizing available training opportunities.
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and “go the extra mile” to meet team targets and…