EXPERIENCED SALES MANAGER - MALDIVES

United Food Suppliers (UFS) is one of the fastest growing businesses in the Maldives specializing in supply, storage and distribution of temperature-controlled food products such as meat, seafood, poultry, dry foods, vegetables and fruits of the highest quality from all over the world.

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, dynamic and personable Sales Manager to join our esteemed Food Solutions company. This pivotal role will be based in the Hulhumale and will be responsible for driving sales and business development within both the Retail and the HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) sector across all the Maldivian islands. The successful candidate will play a critical role in expanding our market presence, building strong relationships with key clients, and ensuring our products and services are aligned with the needs of the hospitality industry.

The ideal candidate must be able to work 6 days a week, half a day on Saturday from 9-2pm and Sunday to Thursday 8.30 to 5.30pm with an hour for lunch. There also might be a need to work outside these office hours. Business trips to see clients will be via a boat and rough seas are commonplace, thus you must have good sea legs. Please note that the Maldives is a dry country so alcoholic beverages are not available, as well as pork products. However, in terms of dress code it is not strictly Islamic.

Responsibilities:
1. Business development: Identify and target new and existing retail and HORECA clients in the Maldives. Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve company budgets and growth targets.
2. Market research and analysis: Conduct thorough market research to understand current trends, demands, and competition within the Retail and HORECA industry. Utilize insights to refine product offerings and adapt sales strategies accordingly.
3. Key account management: Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key Retail and HORECA accounts. Act as the primary point of contact and address their unique needs to foster client satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Team management: Manage a team of key account managers to ensure that the market is effectively and efficiently covered.
5. Account planning and strategy: Develop account plans and strategies for key accounts, outlining objectives, actions, and timelines to maximize customer satisfaction and business growth. Collaborate with internal teams to align efforts and deliver on customer expectations.
6. New product launches: Collaborate with the product development team to introduce new food solutions and products tailored to the Retail and HORECA sectors. Plan and execute product launches in coordination with the various other teams.
7. Pricing and contract negotiations: Develop pricing strategies that maximize profitability while remaining competitive. Negotiate contracts and agreements with clients, ensuring mutually beneficial terms.
8. Training and support: Provide training, insight, and support to clients, ensuring they are well-versed in the benefits of our product range. Address any enquiries or issues promptly to maintain strong customer satisfaction.
9. Sales performance analysis: Track and analyse sales performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed. Prepare regular sales reports and present updates to senior management.
10. Compliance and quality assurance: Ensure all activities comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and company policies. Maintain the highest quality standards throughout the sales and distribution process.
11. Cross-functional collaboration: Collaborate with various internal teams, including marketing, logistics, and finance, to streamline operations and provide comprehensive support to clients.

Required experience and qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Sales, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in international HORECA sales and business development within the food solutions industry.
• Strong understanding of the HORECA sector, its challenges, and market dynamics.
• Experience in working and living outside of one’s home country.

Required skills:
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales data and make data-driven decisions.
• Willingness to travel frequently for client visits and industry events.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
• Positive attitude, proactive approach, and ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to handle productive conflict and make hard and tough decisions where necessary.
• Able to work with multiple different cultures. An understanding of the Islamic culture would be preferred.

The position will pay a market related salary dependent on experience. The company will also provide a cell phone contract as well as a laptop for the incumbent. Accommodation is the responsibility of the incumbent; however, the first month’s rental will be covered by the company. One annual return airplane ticket to the original country or residence is also included in the package.
If you believe you fulfil the above criteria, please can you send your updated CV through to hr@ioec.co.za. Please note that this position is based in Hulhumale, Maldives.