Who we are: A leading FMCG business in Africa

Who we are looking for: A Trade Marketing Manager to work from Zambia who has previously worked within the African market.

What you will do:

• Plan and execute direct marketing approaches including targeting, customization of Brand messaging and measurability, customer profiling and segmentation.
• Collaborate with Key stakeholders: Internal (management, brands/category, production and accounts /Finance) and external (Channel partners,Activation agencies and regulatory authorities)
• To oversee a strategic program of activities and events for brand/s
• Ensure the brand meets expectations through monitoring marketing trends and feedback (partner and stakeholders).

Key Expectations:

• Manage the trade spend and allocate the A&P (Advertising & Promotional spend) budget across all channels/customers.
• Segment the customer base and work closely with P&Ls to optimize channel strategies and maximize ROI
• Measure market potential channel wise and identifying target segment.
• Work closely with the marketing / Category management team to commercialize brand plans, looking at pack formats, pricing and promotions.
• Development and execution of trade / consumer promotions including pricing, sales estimates, operations liaison and POS development.
• Category Management, working with each brand manager to develop effective solutions for key accounts / working with all assets available and developing new programs when needed including in-store merchandisers.
• Monitor Brand Registrations. (Brand wise/SKUwise).
• Brand wise Development and Standardization of trade promotions in Top end & Retail.
• Define evaluation Matrix for marketing investments and Increase success rate of promotions and brand perception (footfall, conversion rates, loyalty programs)
• Track competition volumes and monitor competitor activities to evaluate our brand performance.
• Focus on developing promotional programs that attract business from wholesalers, distributors and retailers
• Identify Product category plans including range and merchandise proposals.
• Recommend and develop local market promotions to promote sales.
• Provide feedback to management on new product launches or re-launch initiatives.
• Design and execute launches to gain maximum distribution.
• Proactively communication and build relationships with the group Marketing & Media team.
• Collect and disseminate Best Practice for profitable Trade Marketing activities
• Work closely with sales team to ensure trade marketing strategies are aligned with sales objectives and revenue targets
• Work to develop trade communications - Traditional and Digital
• POS Allocation / Visibility standardization at all channels

What you must have:

• Degree qualification (preferably in Trade Marketing & Marketing Communications)
• Min 10 years of marketing experience in FMCG domain (Africa experience preferable)
• Have an excellent understanding of marketing tools and techniques to increase the visibility, profile and brand equity for our group brands
• Have a good understanding of social media and the impact technology is having on communications and collaboration.

Skills & Experience

• A strategic and creative thinker with proven experience of working on diverse and wide-ranging communication strategies including all forms of media (Digital+Analog)
• Strong management and leadership skills demonstrated by evidence of leading high-performing teams that contribute to organisational objectives and show resilience in the face of changing priorities
• Experience of developing and managing strong and complex relationships across programmes as part of a centralised function and externally with multiple stakeholders
• Experience of managing of websites
• Experience of measuring the impact of communications campaigns
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an ability to communicate clearly with a range of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Experience of representing an organisation at external events

Competencies

• Strong, versatile Communication skills
• Good organizational, planning, and coordination skills
• Ability to multi-task and re-prioritize as needed
• Desire to take full ownership of assigned projects and can work independently
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Possesses a sense of urgency; is self-motivated and detail-minded
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships
• Good verbal presentation, group dynamic, and facilitation skills
• Proactive approach in resolving problems and issues