District Sales and Merchandising Agent

We are a Supply Chain and Sales & Merchandising partner adding value to your business through a fully integrated, temperature-controlled network in Southern Africa.

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. This role will be based in Potchefstroom
.

• 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.
• Securing 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 (i.e. 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.
• Ensure that you 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 objectives.
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of work are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Inform relevant parties in the event of tasks or deadlines not met, the potential risks thereof and provide appropriate resolution.
• Maintain a basic appreciation and awareness of employee relations climate and ensure corrective action is taken where required in line with…